Taunton shop owner closes for counter-protest as police and council plan town-centre measures

Taunton town centre is due to host a protest on Saturday 19 September, with one local shop owner planning to close to join a counter-protest, while the town council has separately announced free parking later in the year for Christmas shoppers.

Somerset County Gazette reported that an independent quarter shop owner in Taunton has called on small businesses to speak out against “far-right” marches and will close their business to join the latest counter-protest [1]. Avon & Somerset Police said policing plans are in place for the protest, which is due to take place in Taunton town centre on Saturday 19 September at 1pm [2]. Taunton Town Council announced free parking on December 12 and 19 to support festive shopping and local businesses [3].

Together, the reports show that businesses in Taunton town centre are the common thread: one shop owner is closing for the protest, police are planning for the demonstration, and the council is offering shopper incentives for the Christmas period.