HAVE you noticed any difference in Taunton town centre since a shop selling legal highs closed last month?

Police want to hear your views as the owner of Hush, in Bridge Street, mounts an appeal against an order to board up his store for three months.

A three-month closure order was slapped on the outlet on December 16 by Taunton Magistrates’ Court after police presented evidence of anti-social behaviour linked to it.

Hush owner Simon Tomlin - who has failed to respond to an invitation from the County Gazette to comment - has lodged an appeal and Taunton Crown Court is in the process of setting a date for a hearing.

Police have discussed their next move and will look into the possibility of extending the closure order for a further three months when the current one runs out in March – if Mr Tomlin’s appeal fails.

Sgt Neil Kimmins said: “We’re going to reflect on the issue and we’re looking for community feedback.

“We want people’s view of Taunton town centre since the closure of Hush.

“We want to restrict the sale of legal highs on the high street using anti-social behaviour legislation.

“We don’t want more victims – we know that if shops selling legal highs are open in the town, there will be more victims of anti-social behaviour.

A Bridgwater shop owner who sells legal highs is exploiting a gap in the market by advertising a delivery service to the county town.

He told the County Gazette he was not breaking the law but declined to comment further.

Sgt Kimmins added: “We know legal highs are still being consumed in Taunton, however the anti-social behaviour we had over the summer isn’t present.

“We’re aware people are prepared to travel in order to satisfy their desire for legal highs.”

*To let police know how you believe Taunton town centre has been affected since the closure of Hush last month, e-mail ssntauntontowncentreteam@avonandsomerset.police.uk or call 01823-363185.