Metered power supply agreed for street vendors

A town council will take over supplying street vendors with electricity after traders petitioned to save their businesses from an enforced power cut.

Somerset Council said it could no longer afford the annual £31,000 bill for the power supply in Fore Street, Taunton.

However, Taunton Town Council has agreed to install a metered supply so vendors can pay for the electricity they use once Somerset Council pulls its funding on 31 March 2026.

Leader of the town council Tom Deakin said: "This initiative not only addresses the needs of our hardworking vendors but also contributes to the vibrancy and footfall in our town centre."

A petition to stop the electricity being switched off gained more than 1,400 signatures after being launched by eight businesses earlier this year.

Alex Frost, who has traded for 20 years in Taunton, said at the time: "As I think you can see from the petition, we are wanted in the town.

"We got a lot of so that was really nice."

Taunton Town Council has formally agreed to invest in electricity points at various locations in the town centre.

Mr Deakin said: "By encouraging and enabling these types of business to continue trading in Taunton, we are fostering a lively and dynamic environment, attracting both residents and visitors, boosting local businesses and enhancing the overall community experience."

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