UNPOPULAR plans to sell the High Street car park in Taunton are set to be reversed next month, Somerset Council has confirmed.

Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s lead member for economic development, has decided to no longer progress the sale of the 270-space multi-story car park, which is also known as Mary Street Car Park.

The key decision recommending the removal of the car park from the ‘for sale’ list has been added to the council’s forward plan and will be formalised before the end of March.

The move follows significant feedback from Taunton Town Council, businesses and local members concerned by the possible impacts of selling it for development.

“This council has to be sustainable in these extremely tough financial times, but we also have to listen,” said Cllr Rigby. “The message we’ve heard loud and clear is that the impacts of the sale of the High Street car park are such that we need to reconsider and that’s what we have done.

“We thank everyone who has taken the time to let us know their views.”

Gideon Amos MP (Liberal Democrat, Taunton and Wellington) said: “I’m delighted that Mike Rigby and other Lib Dems councillors have worked so closely with me and our town councillors to reconsider this sale and safeguard one of the very few night time town centre car parks we have.

"I made clear its value to local community groups and businesses in the area.

“Put simply, people don’t want to see car parking in our town centre reduced and it’s good to hear our councillors are listening and acting on what people in Taunton want.

"Let’s keep working together to bring more investment and success to our town.”