Taunton resident asks council to act on ‘empty premises dereliction’

Alan Debenham said the town centre is recently getting worse rather than better and is affected by “empty premises dereliction”.

He added the empty shops on East Street from East Reach “looks ghastly” and is encouraging Taunton Town Council to take action.

He also raised concerns about litter and the state of the roads.

At the town council meeting, Mr Debenham read this letter: “Empty premises dereliction: To try to prevent the town centre from getting any worse, why can't the town council, possibly with the help of Somerset Council's DLO or enlightened Chamber of Commerce, provide a service whereby all empty premises (especially shops in prominent positions) be offered a makeover?

Another photo of East Street in Taunton (Image: Newsquest)

“Something similar to that done, to great positive effect, to closed Debenhams - with the use of 'shop window simulation' cheap wallpaper and paste etc?”

Cllr Deakin, leader of the town council, said: “Mr Debenham, many people have these concerns.

“I think about Wilko and the impact on people and unemployment.

“Although we have some empty shops, we also have some thriving areas with independent shops, and we should be proud of these shops, but I agree with you about making our streets more appealing.”

Cllr Deakin also said the council will work with the Chamber of Commerce.

He also suggested to “keep reporting littering to Somerset Council” through their website and added: “We will do what we can to solve that.”

Replying to Mr Debenham about the state of the roads he said: “Again, this does sit with Somerset Council. We encourage you to continue to report that and flag the issues. They hold contractors to account.”