I didn’t make any New Year resolutions, writes Clinton Rogers.
If I had done, I’d probably have broken them by now anyway.
It’s my wife who corners the market in willpower.
Instead, I decided to list a few things I HOPE will happen in 2026.
I’m not a Miss World candidate, so I won’t wish for world peace (they always did that back in the day).
Wouldn’t that be nice, though?
I’m keeping my wish list a little more parochial.
I’ll start by asking: When will the ‘Taunton Vision’ finally come into sharp focus?
That was the rather bold title the then local council gave to grandiose plans to redevelop the site of the once thriving Taunton Livestock Market way back in 2008.
Since then, much talk but little action.
I lost count of the number of stories I produced for BBC Points West, outlining the latest scheme, the latest big idea.
Yet the site is still a derelict eyesore.
There is a 'masterplan', and if you search online, you will find encouraging phrases like: "The Firepool masterplan is an ambitious mixed-use scheme, comprising new homes and a leisure quarter, organised around a high-quality public realm."
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I’m not entirely sure what a "public realm" is.
But I know what new homes and leisure facilities look like.
It’s just that I haven’t seen any yet.
It is such a shame – the old market was such a thriving hub of the community.
When it finally closed, we were promised big things.
And we are still waiting.
Maybe 2026?
I’m also wondering if this year will actually see the opening of a new park and ride site on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington.
I drive past there most days.
For months now, it has looked complete and ready to welcome customers.
But no cars and no buses.
What is the hold-up?
Maybe 2026 will be the year that a few empty shops in our county town – and other towns across Somerset – will get a new lease of life.
It is four months since the old Debenhams building in Taunton was put up for sale (£1.7m is the asking price).
I’m not sure what has happened since – but the building is still boarded up.
And wouldn’t it be nice if someone could come up with the money to restore Willow Man, the once proud but now naked artwork next to the M5 near Bridgwater.
He’s an icon – or he was.
Organisations use him in their marketing.
And surely it wouldn’t cost a king’s ransom to clothe him.
Morrisons: Are you listening?
He’s your neighbour.
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