TIRED looking streets leading from Taunton Station into the town centre could be spruced up and traffic systems tweaked to increase traffic flows.

Mismatched and cracked paving along Station Road and Bridge Street could be replaced, with additional pedestrian crossings, street trees and street furniture installed.

The improvements would "kickstart a much bigger revitalisation of the streets" and "improved quality would increase footfall at shops", according to a public consultation document.

The booklet, produced by Taunton Deane Borough and Somerset County Councils and their partners, also contains suggestions for a continuous hard surface path beside the River Tone between French Weir Park and Firepool Lock.

It says: "Improvements to the corridor would provide for sustainable journeys to work and school, and improve opportunities to get out into the countryside."

Also proposed are better management of vegetation, improved appearance of crossing points and more seating areas.

The Public Space Improvements Project consultation, at Taunton Library until Saturday, March 18, outlines a vision to make the county town more user friendly with attractive public spaces.

People are being asked their views on plans to close East Street to traffic apart from buses and cyclists during the day; closing Hammet Street to vehicles during the day; and pedestrianising St James Street between North Street and Lower Middle Street.

Following the public consultation, the schemes could go live as part of an 18-month trial in the autumn and possibly become permanent by 2019.

The document says: "We want to create new and improved public areas that are attractive and where people can walk and shop, or simply sit and rest awhile - areas with fewer vehicles, less pollution and reduced noise."

Council officers will be in the library to discuss the proposals tomorrow (Thursday), from 11am to 3pm; Saturday, March 4, 10am to 2pm; Wednesday, March 8, 3pm to 7pm; and Friday, March 17, 11am to 3pm.

A questionnaire has been produced for people to comment - it is available in the library, from the council website, by e-mailing psip@tauntondeane.gov.uk or by writing to Taunton Town Centre PSIP, The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton TA1 1HE.