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'Relief' at plans to keep power on for traders

Kelly Withers
BBC Somerset, Reporter
BBC Alex Frost, the owner of Super Juice, standing in her van. She is wearing a black top and a green apron with Super Juice written on it. She is standing in front of a menu board.BBC
Alex Frost says traders are happy to pay for their electricity supply

Street-food vendors fighting plans to turn off their electricity supply say they are "hopeful" a solution has been found.

Somerset Council says it can no longer afford to pay the £31,000-a-year bill to supply power to traders in Fore Street, Taunton.

Taunton Town Council is now proposing to pay £2,000 per month to Somerset Council, with traders charged a proportion of the total cost.

Alex Frost, who owns Super Juice, said: "Everybody is feeling a sense of relief a plan has been put forward and we're all hopeful this will be accepted to enable us to carry on trading."

Eight businesses launched a petition to stop the electricity being switched off at the end of March.

Ms Frost added: "We have always said we are more than happy to pay for the power that we use."

Violet John and James Nas, the owners of the Hot Sausage Company, standing in their van. They are both smiling into the camera. Violet is wearing a red and white apron and James is wearing a blue jacket.
Co-owner of the Hot Sausage Company, James Nas, right, said he is also "happy" to pay for the electricity

Taunton Town Council is proposing to cover the cost of the electricity in April, with traders paying a proportion of the bill based on meter readings from May.

This arrangement would cover a period of six months, with alternatives discussed after that.

Cllr Tom Deakin, leader of Taunton Town Council, said: "We are committed to finding a solution that works for the traders, while also recognising it would be inappropriate to continue using public funds.

"I believe these proposals strike a balance, allowing for a period of adjustment while planning for a sustainable solution."

The plans will be discussed at a meeting on 25 March.

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