VISITORS to Taunton over the festive season can expect the usual Christmas cheer, it was claimed this week.

Plans are well advanced, with a full programme of activities in the town centre and Castle Green.

The traditional tree will be sited outside the Market House and lights will decorate Fore Street.

Taunton Deane councillor Mark Edwards said: “It was never the case that Taunton wasn’t going to have Christmas lights and there’s a great deal planned by the Town Centre Company to celebrate the festive season.

“I must, however, applaud Cllr Kelly Durdan’s initiative to really make Taunton sparkle – she’s showing what can be done with positivity and enthusiasm.

“While the council hasn’t directly funded the Christmas lights for many years, we’ll support her initiative and assist in any way we can to make her vision become a reality.”

Mr Edwards added: “We, like others who visit Taunton, have enjoyed the displays funded by local businesses and are confident Taunton will still be an exciting place to visit over the festive season. The lights are an important feature of the festive season but not the focus.”