TRADERS in and around a street where traffic is being banned fear they could be put out of business.

Further concerns have been expressed that pedestrianising a stretch of Taunton's St James Street could have a knock-on effect on the rest of the town's shops.

St James business owners met this week to voice a catalogue of complaints about the way they are treated by the council.

They are angry at being told by Taunton Deane Borough Council the pedestrianisation between North Street and Lower Middle Street would be an 18-month trial, only to learn from a County Gazette report it will be permanent.

The scheme, being introduced along with car-free trials in Hammet Street and East Street, is set for January.


READ MORE: Work to ban cars from Taunton streets FINALLY gets a start date


The businesses fear customers could shop elsewhere due to difficulty reaching the area, along with reduced parking planned at Coal Orchard.

They have also slammed at the council's lack of consultation over the plans.

Simon Willetts, of Combers hair salon, said: "The council isn't listening.

"There's a lack of infrastructure, but the council's putting something in and taking infrastructure away.

"How's pedestrianising St James Street going to cut congestion? And it will create more pollution from sitting traffic."

Giri Chapman, of Alpha Clothing, said: "This could kill the town.

"Retail is already struggling. We can't afford to do this and get it wrong.

"If cars are queuing to go through Taunton, how's that going to help business?"

Somerset County Gazette:
PLAN: How St James Street could look

Jane Armour, of Jane Armour Trading, said she will have to take a lengthy detour to get to work once pedestrianisation comes in, while lorries will access shops via Middle Street.

Keith Lowe, manager of Orchard Shopping Centre, said: "Nobody listens to us.

"Pedestrianisation is an imposition. Nobody asked for it.

"It's going to kick retail into touch - we're 855,000 people in the town centre down year on year.

"What mechanisms are being put in place?Who's monitoring it and will it be put back if it goes wrong?"

A council spokesman said: "Our Public Space Improvement Project aims to make Taunton town centre more pedestrian friendly, with improved air quality and cycle routes, in line with our garden town status.

"Details of the proposed schemes are still being finalised. They will be shared with traders and the public before any work begins."

  • A meeting to discuss pedestrianisation in Taunton is being held at Mr Miles, in High Street, Taunton, on Tuesday (October 23) at 9am.