THE FUTURE OF THE RIVER TONE 

Somerset has, for years prided itself on being a major tourist county. It is a proud boast and levels of inland tourism show no signs of abating as the years pass. In 2002, 102 million trips of one night or more were undertaken by UK residents within the United Kingdom. The South West of England and the Heart of England were the two most popular destinations for trips in 2002, between them accounting for over a quarter of holidays undertaken. Equally visits by overseas visitors also increased. (source, Office of National Statistics). 

The countryside is undoubtedly the main attraction along with picturesque settlements and pleasant market towns. The River Tone can certainly play a most active role in providing a pleasant and quite location for pleasure walking, environmentalists and wild-life enthusiasts. Boating is not yet possible to any large degree and the Environment Agency, a body who oversees the quality of the river, its wild-life and its immediate landscape is keen to support this passive activity. 

However, nearer to the centre of Taunton, the river can play an altogether different role, becoming a necessary adjunct to town centre life and providing a backdrop to many of the towns activities. Whilst it is necessary to protect from undesirable development, the immediate environment of the river and canal, its presence could be a major attraction to new businesses, aimed chiefly at the leisure industry. The ‘Vision for Taunton’ produced by the Borough Council in 2003 recognises the importance of a river setting through Taunton and urges development to accord with this. 

The presence of a river within the townscape of Taunton is a definite advantage to the environmental and visual attributes of the town. This must be enhanced at every opportunity. It needs to be opened up to more than the occasional passerby, and become as essential in the town as its shops. For instance, the river could provide the ideal setting for boat trips, floating restaurants and seasonal boating carnivals. Within the town, along its banks, public and cultural buildings could be considered, along with attractive residential developments all as foreseen in the ‘Vision for Taunton’. 

If you would like to express your views on the future of the River Tone contact the Taunton Borough Council, or the Environmental Agency or the Taunton and District Civic Society by clicking here. Likewise, the canal in Taunton also needs to enhance its environmental contribution to the town, before commercial exploitation of its route renders it unattractive to visitors. If you wish to observe on the matters relating to the canal contact British Waterways, at Gloucester, ( www.britishwaterways.co.uk ).