Council to pay power bill for street vendors

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

Taunton Town Council decided at a council meeting on Tuesday that it will take on the cost for electricity for street traders in Taunton from March 2026. Until then, Somerset Council will cover the bill.

It comes after Somerset Council said it could no longer afford the annual £31,000 bill and threatened to turn off the power supply in Fore Street.

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 support so that was really nice."

In response, 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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