A 20MPH zone in Chard town centre will be extended next year.

The town council agreed to fund a project that will extend a 20mph speed limit to include the Henson Park area.

It has been suggested the best way to do this is to extend the current 20mph zone in place for Avishayes School.

A council's document explained “Henson Park residents have submitted a petition to the Council for the 20mph zone, which currently has over 230 signatures, asking for a 20mph and additional safety measures for the parks in Henson Park.”

The document also read “Somerset Council no longer fund new 20mph zones and now town and parish councils are expected, if they wish to install them, to provide funds.”

A Chard Town Council spokesperson said: “The council has agreed to work with Somerset Council to establish an expanded 20mph zone in Henson Park.

“The exact costs will be determined soon by Somerset Council, but the town council has agreed it will be funding the cost of the project.

“This will likely happen in the first half of 2024 if all goes to plan.”

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: “Somerset Council welcomed expressions of interest for community-funded 20mph speed limits earlier this year.

“An application was received from Chard Town Council so we have been working with them on a scheme in the Henson Park area of the town which involves extending the existing 20mph zone to include the two playing areas.

“An estimated cost for the scheme is now subject to their agreement with a view to implementing it in 2024.”