Cash-strapped council urged to halt car park sale

The High Street car park could be sold by the council

A petition with more than 1,400 signatures is urging cash-strapped Somerset Council to reverse proposals to sell one of its car parks in the centre of Taunton.

As part of its financial emergency, the authority is selling off a number of its assets in an effort to use the revenue to run essential services.

The High Street Car Park in Taunton backs on to the town's pedestrianised shopping area, opposite the car park at the Orchard Shopping Centre, but campaigners say the latter closes earlier while the former serves pubs, restaurants and an arts centre into the evening.

Somerset Council said it was aware of the petition and would respond once it had been received.

The car park stays open into the evening

The petition, started by the Creative Innovation Centre CIC (CICCIC) in Taunton, says the closure and demolition of the car park will impact social clubs, faith organisations and Taunton's night-time economy, as well as events held in the adjacent Vivary Park over summer.

Twelve disabled parking spaces will be lost as a result of the closure.

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset outside the car park, local residents John and Jackie said it would be an "inconvenience" to them if the car park was demolished.

"This is where we park," John said, adding: "This is more convenient for us, it just suits us.

"The town centre needs this car park and I think there would be problems if it was done away with."

Jackie and John say losing the car park would be an inconvenience

John Hunt, an independent councillor for Somerset Council, represents Bishop's Hull and Taunton West, which includes the car park, and has spoken out in meetings about the potential loss of the site.

He told BBC Radio Somerset there was nowhere else nearby for people to park, warning the Orchard Shopping Centre's car park opposite was "pretty scary", while the Crescent site was "jam-packed" during the day.

He said the open-air car park was "more inviting and people feel safer there, particularly after dark".

Hunt also said he believed the price the "well-used" car park was being sold for was "too low".

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "We're aware of the petition from CICCIC and other requests to reconsider the disposal of the High Street Car Park.

"These will be considered once the petition has been received".