MANY North Petherton residents are choosing to do their shopping in Taunton because it is quicker to drive to than neighbouring Bridgwater.

That was the sentiment from a number of residents at North Petherton Town Council's annual meeting, held on Monday, April 30 in the Small Hall of North Petherton Community Centre.

Around 25 residents joined councillors to debate key issues in the town including traffic, hotels, the future of the library, and grants.

Traffic was one of the evening's biggest topics with residents raising various concerns in the local area.

One resident said: "Traffic is ridiculous. It is easier to go shopping in Taunton than get to Bridgwater because there is so much traffic coming off Junction 24 of the M5 going into town.

Cllr Marion Denham echoed these sentiments.

"You just cannot get to Bridgwater these days," she said.

"It often takes 45 minutes to get from here to Bridgwater Hospital even though it is just up the road."

Another resident said: "I never go anywhere in my car on a Friday afternoon because it is just gridlock."

From North Petherton town centre to Bridgwater town centre is approximately a 3.5 mile journey, whereas Taunton is 8.1 miles away, but many of North Petherton residents felt that the traffic, particularly at peak times would put them off going to Bridgwater.

Other issues that were raised included lorries on Old Road, parking concerns, and questions over the how the new hotels would affect the existing traffic problems.

Another questioned whether a study had been done on how all the extra traffic was affecting the air quality in North Petherton.

Cllr Anne Fraser defended her support for the new hotels in North Petherton.

"It is not the job of members of the Sedgemoor District Council's development committee members to decide what is needed and what is not needed," Cllr Fraser said.

"While I understand some of the concerns raised, I do think this will be good in that it will deliver local jobs, within walking distance for people in North Petherton or Wilstock and Stockmoor."

The town council was positive about securing the future of North Petherton's library.

Mayor of North Petherton Cllr Alan Bradford explained that discussions were ongoing about the council working with the community to take over the running of the library.

"We are discussing the possibility of taking over the library on a three year trial basis," Cllr Bradford said.

"It is a valuable resource but it will also be a case of 'use it or lose it' as we have to ensure it is viable for the future, but things are positive from our end."