Have your say - take part in the BIG Taunton Survey

It boasts beautiful views of the canal, has easy access to the M5, and has been named one of the few garden towns across the country.

But of course, every town has its challenges.

Now, we want to know what YOU think of your town.

From crime and safety, local councils and democracy, we want to gauge what you feel is great about Taunton – and what needs to improve.

With the aim of giving the town some direction and ‘talking up’ the great parts, we are asking a series of questions to get an in-depth view of Taunton, as part of our BIG Taunton Survey. 

County Gazette editor, Paul Jones, said: “We are at a time of change in the County Town. It feels like there are lots of new ventures on the horizon, so we think it’s the perfect time for people to have their say.

“Taunton has a lot of great qualities, but there is always room for improvement.

“We hope as many people as possible respond to our survey with their views, so we can get a clear idea of what our readers want for their town.

“Of course, we want to praise the good parts too, so be sure to shout about the things you love the most about living in Taunton.”

The survey features five categories: Crime and safety, housing and development, health and leisure, transport and roads, and democracy and council affairs.

And to get started, we asked some experts what they think.

Taunton Deane’s MP, Rebecca Pow, said: “I am very proud of Taunton, Somerset’s County Town, which offers so many opportunities and I have made it my mission to further improve and enhance Taunton.

“Our town centre faces challenges in the form of online shopping and out of town shopping areas but we will be bold and imaginative in making our centre a destination for local people and visitors alike.

“Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is a top priority but Taunton rates as one of the safest towns in the country but we cannot be complacent and I continue to work with the local police to keep us safe and secure.

“The Government and the local authority cannot do this alone and I welcome the survey so that I can hear your view and aspirations so that we as a community can deliver on our expectations.”

Stuck for finding something to do in Taunton?

Trish Caller, founder of Genius Events, thinks there’s a lot of activities for people in Taunton – you’ve just got to know where to look.

She said: “I think there are loads of leisure and entertainment options for people in Taunton, you just need to know when and where. Facebook seems to be the best place to find these things out.

“I think we are so incredibly blessed to have so many free things to do as well. Walking along the canal, the parks, especially Vivary.

“I think there’s a lot to do for all age ranges, and if there is a gap, there are lots of groups and associations who could help organise specific events.

“I think the recent Cricket World Cup was an amazing opportunity for Taunton to shine.

“I know Taunton has been through some tough years and a lot of negativity and lack of direction and pride about our town. However, I really feel a very strong sense of positive change and real belief that good times are coming again.

“We should all put our energy into making these things happen.”

Mrs Caller says she believes the building of a new multi-purpose venue would ‘totally turn Taunton around’.

Elsewhere, housing is a contentious issue for Taunton.

Regular rows break out over affordable housing within developments, before the term ‘nimby’ is thrown around liberally on social media.

But the fact of the matter is, central government believes more houses can be built in Taunton.

The challenge is making sure they’re the right size, quality, and location for the town.

Jim Claydon, past president of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a Taunton Deane resident, said: “As the population ages we have smaller sized families and households. For example many older people live by themselves occupying dwellings that may previously have housed a family of four or more. As a consequence we need more houses to accommodate the same size of population.

“If in addition we attract more people to work in Taunton, or retire here, then there continues to be a demand for more houses. If we stop building new houses young people who grew up in Taunton will be squeezed out and not be able to find a home of their own.”

Mr Claydon says it would be a good idea to ensure more housing is made available within the town centre, so long as it is not to the detriment of shopping areas.

He added: “There are flats above shops, old offices that can be converted, shops peripheral to the centre, and underused land around the town centre that can be used for this purpose.

“It is important to maintain high standards of living and play space in these properties to avoid them becoming the slums of the future. By encouraging more people to live in the centre of town we will reduce pressure on the roads and provide more customers for the shops.”

Mr Claydon stressed the importance of affordable and social housing, but warns of the dangers of ‘social segregation’.

“The provision of social and affordable housing is essential to ensure that we have a balanced community and provide for everyone in society,” he said.

“It is also important that such properties are integrated into the town as a whole. We made mistakes in the past by building large estates of exclusively social and affordable housing and this led to social segregation.”

Neighbourhood plans should be of top priority for communities concerned about housing developments, Mr Claydon said, as well as the councils needing to upgrade their local plans to ensure it is fit for purpose.

GET INVOLVED: Take part in the BIG Taunton Survey

Leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council, Federica Smith-Roberts, hopes she can inspire others to love Taunton as much as she does.

She said: “It’s the location. We are well-placed as the county town. Within five minutes you’re in the country side, in the town centre you have the shopping and the entertainment, and then within 40 minutes you can be at the coast.

“I gush about Taunton, and I love bringing my children up here. I absolutely love it, it’s lots of little things that add up.”

In terms of improvements, Cllr Smith-Roberts recognises Firepool has to be a priority, but also the infrastructure in the town, and work on the High Street.

“It has to all join up,” she added. “It’s got to work in tandem. With things like cycle routes, and making sure the Park and Ride can be used.”

She said events such as the recent Somerfest and the Cricket World Cup demonstrate the town’s potential.

When asked whether residents are engaged enough with local councils, the newly-appointed leader recognises there is work to be done.

She said: “We hardly ever have a packed council chamber. People gives us feedback through Facebook, and the newspapers, but it would be good to see them there.

“I also want to ensure we can video and live stream council meetings, so people can watch the parts that interest them.

“I am keen on people contacting me, and we have to ensure our communications work for all demographics.”

Environment issues are a hot-topic around the globe right now, and one of the most effect things towns can do is to ensure it has good cycle routes to encourage fewer people to drive their cars.

Mike Ginger, of Taunton Area Cycling Campaign, says many people would love to cycle to work, but would feel unsafe to do so.

He said: “National and local research shows that many people would like to be able to cycle, but are put off by traffic and road layouts.

“Locally, roads are designed to give greater priority to traffic flow and more large roundabouts are being built.

“Travelling by bike and on foot can be a problem. I have first hand experience of just how difficult it is to make a journey pushing a wheelchair, due to broken kerbs and footway potholes, parked cars on footways and difficulty of getting across roads.

“As a result of the discouragement to walk and cycle, there are many short car journeys which add to the congestion, pollution and danger. Somehow we need to find a way to break out of this circle.”

To fill out a survey, visit countygazette.co.uk/bigtauntonsurvey or give us a call on 01823 365027 to arrange a visit our Tangier Central offices to complete the questionnaire.