THE Rainbow Path in Taunton town centre has been restored after being covered in white paint.

This morning (Tuesday, January 16), Taunton Pride confirmed the town council decided to take off the paint that covered part of the Rainbow Path in Goodland Gardens.

Taunton Pride said the council considered the damage to the path a "potential environmental hazard" and an "eyesore".

The path was vandalised on Wednesday, January 10 and since then police have been investigating.

Somerset County Gazette: The path was vandalised last weekThe path was vandalised last week (Image: Newsquest)

Taunton Pride, which was hoping to raise £5,000 to restore the path, said those funds will go towards a full refresh.

Rob Ewers, one of the group’s directors, said: “They [Taunton Town Council] have taken the white paint off. Taunton Town Council declared it was an eyesore.

“The funds will now go towards a full refresh of the path so it will need less maintenance.

“I am not sure we will reach £5,000 but we should be able to have the path relayed.”

Taunton Pride is hoping that in the future the rainbow path will last longer thanks to the planned refresh.

The group also said that thanks to the fundraiser, they "may also contribute to the cost of a CCTV camera".

A Taunton Town Council spokesperson said: "Taunton Town Council can confirm that the white paint was removed from the Rainbow Path in Goodland Gardens on Tuesday 16 January.

"Particular care was given to ensure that no runoff containing paint particles entered the nearby River Tone."

Last week, Taunton Town Council said they "were very disappointed" by the damage.

Somerset County Gazette: A photo of the path after the white paint was taken off this morningA photo of the path after the white paint was taken off this morning (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Tom Deakin, leader of the council, said: “I was very disappointed to learn of the wilful act of vandalism committed in the early hours of this morning in Goodland Gardens, one of our open spaces.

"More so, given that the nature of the vandalism would suggest that it was motivated by prejudice and intolerance.

"It has been reported to the police and we have asked the CCTV team at Somerset Council to assist with enquiries.

"We utterly condemn this act, as well as limiting the use of a public space, it undoubtedly has a negative impact on how our LGBTQ residents feel.”

The Rainbow Path is the brainchild of Jenny Keogh and Liz Hutchin, of Go Create, and the 62-metre path running from Bridge Street into Goodland Gardens beside the River Tone, was opened in 2021.