PROPOSALS for a £22.9 million redevelopment of Taunton Railway Station are gathering pace - and you're being invited to give your view.

The transformation of the station will see the main entrance re-sited on the south side, improved passenger facilities, retail opportunities and better parking.

The proposed development would enable the station to handle a predicted 40 per cent increase in passenger traffic leading up to 2020 and also confirm Taunton as the gateway to the South West.

It is also seen as vital for the long-awaited homes, offices, shops and leisure facilities development of the derelict Firepool site.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow has written to locals asking them to respond to a survey to help "gauge views relating to the station".

In the letter, Ms Pow writes: "I have long recognised the need for the re-development of the station and surrounding area to bring it up to the standard that our town deserves.

"The improvements will seek to provide upgraded passenger facilities, increas the amount of parking and most importantly reduce congestion."

Ms Pow says she has regularly met the main stakeholders, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Newtwork Rail, Great Western Railway and Somerset County Council, who are all committed to the project.

She adds: "After all the behind-the-scenes work, I am delighted that the Government has awarded £2.2 million from the Local Growth Fund to help fund the work.

"This will go towards the overall £22.9 million to be spent on the redevelopment, creating a new re-orientated station gateway and associated passenger facilities."

Ms Pow is appealing to regular station users and people who live nearby to respond to her survey.

"I will share the response with the key stakeholders to help deliver the kind of station that will satisfy everyone," writes Ms Pow.