SHOPPERS and diners are soon going to get even more choice with several companies planning to come to Taunton.

As well as improving the town’s offer, scores of jobs are being created, with even more employment opportunities likely next year.

It is believed a restaurant is opening in the former Taunton Post Office, in North Street.

Bill’s, which offers ‘breakfast-to-bedtime’ meals, hopes to occupy premises in Cheapside.

A spokeswoman said: “Things chop and change a lot. We’re still waiting for the final planning permission.”

Expecting to open in Fore Street by the mid-November ahead of the Christmas rush is North Devon-based Saltrock.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re currently enjoying rapid expansion and we can’t wait to bring our unique flavour of beach and surf wear to the high street in Taunton.”

Neal’s Yard health and beauty remedies are taking over a store in St James Street once renovations are completed – check page 29 for a history lesson on the building.

And L’Occitaine, which sells natural beauty products, is now trading in Fore Street, where Joules clothing store opened recently.

At Hankridge retail park, The Range is due to move in once Homebase closes, while Marks and Spencer are still considering whether to move into the former Comet unit “to enhance what we are offering in the area”.

Lidl plans to relocate its Wood Street store to the site the former Taunton Youth and Community Centre, in Tangier.

A seven-acre employment site is nearing completion in Monkton Heathfield, and further sites will be built in Langaller and Bathpool.

Several stores, restaurants and leisure operators are interested in Firepool, which will be open for development once the Northern Inner Distributor Road access is completed early next year.

Taunton Chamber of Commerce president Colin Barrell said: “It’s encouraging that these firms are showing confidence in Taunton.

“Stores are generally faring quite well here and this is another step in the right direction.

“It’s good for confidence to see these chains coming to Taunton, giving people more choice.”

Cllr Norman Cavill, Taunton Deane Council’s economic development portfolio holder, said: “It’s very positive news.

“The quality on offer is improving as these people think Taunton is the place to be.”