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A draft action plan for Taunton town centre including dedicated
police officers, improved signs and exciting events, is being put
together by Taunton Town Centre Company.
It’s the concrete result of recent focus groups and consultations
held with town centre businesses as part of the Business Improvement
District (BID) campaign.
Benefits for the town, if businesses vote in favour of becoming a
BID and adopt the plan, could include:
- a dedicated town centre police team paid for by the BID group
- a whole new signing system, including emphasis on specialist
shopping areas
- active marketing and exciting, high profile events
- much improved cleaning and recycling
- providing business support and better customer service
Next month (March) will see a special presentation evening held at
the Brewhouse theatre, where town centre businesses will have the
chance to hear the draft plan’s details and costs, as well as make
changes before it is finalised. Voting on becoming a BID will take
place in July.
“The draft plan is an exciting step, where people’s ideas are coming
closer to reality,” said Lucy Ball, Town Centre Manager.
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“We are now costing out the different possibilities for making
Taunton a more vibrant town, that can stand up strongly to the
competition.”
Taunton is the first town of its size in the South West to be chosen
to campaign for BID status, following a successful first round of
BID campaigns in towns and cities nationally (which included parts
of Bristol and Plymouth).
BIDs are a government initiative to help chosen town centres
regenerate themselves. Through a small levy on all businesses within
the BID area, thousands of pounds are raised for improvements that
businesses choose themselves.
“There has been tremendous support from the town centre people I
talk to,” said Lucy Ball. “If anyone has ideas they’d like us to
include, or wants to know more, there’s still time to get in touch.”
For further details ring Lucy Ball, Town Centre Manager, on 01823
354299, email lucy@tauntontowncentre.co.uk or visit the BID web site
through www.tauntontowncentre.co.uk
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