THE go-ahead has been given to J.D. Wetherspoon to open a second pub in Taunton, by converting the former Spiller and Webber building in Bridge Street.

Taunton Deane Borough Council gave permission on Wednesday (May 23) for the pub. The new real ale and food bar will create 25 jobs and attract similar customers to those at its sister pub, the Perkin Warbeck in East Street.

Pool tables, jukeboxes and entertainment will be absent because of the company's 'no music' policy. As with the Perkin, the new outlet will offer an extensive food menu.

Under Wetherspoon's plan, the ground floor of the building will be used as a customer area with a kitchen at the rear, and the first floor will house toilets, a beer cellar and a staff room, causing fireplace firm Warm Welcome to relocate to another site.

Company spokesman, Eddie Gershon, said: "We are very keen to get things moving following the success of the Perkin Warbeck since it opened five years ago."

Objections were made by local residents who are concerned about late night noise, extra vehicles in the area, loss of a quality retail store and the effect on the surrounding shops, a high number of town pubs, and vandalism.