ONGOING talks are taking place to save Taunton's park and ride operation.

A source said the district council is looking at buying the Silk Mills and Gateway sites from the county, although a Deane House spokesman said there are "no current plans" to do so.

Cllr Mike Rigby, executive member for transport at Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT), said the authority has been supporting Somerset County Council (SCC) and the operator, Buses of Somerset, to "deliver a financially sustainable model for the park and ride service".

The policy followed County Hall's announcement in 2018 that it would suspend the service.

Cllr Rigby added: "SWT has been subsidising the park and ride which has led to the reintroduction of the Saturday service.

"It has also set up a saver scheme with the retail and business community to offer park and ride customers discounts or rewards to attract shoppers into their stores.

"Park and ride is an efficient, cost-effective way of getting into the town centre and it helps to reduce congestion and pollution in line with our goal to become a carbon neutral district by 2030.

"Discussions are continuing with SCC to secure the future of the service. However, there are no current plans to buy the park and ride sites."