The following article was published in the Somerset County Gazette on Monday 3rd August 2009.

Campaigners turn up pressure in Taunton Gaumont bid

A NEW group pressing for Taunton’s former Gaumont Theatre – now Mecca Bingo – to be turned into a multi-purpose entertainment venue is increasing its pressure on Taunton Deane Council.

Project Gaumont, led by retired salesman and theatre enthusiast Jim Laflin, says it has received a letter of support from the planning authority, Taunton Deane Council.

The group now wants the council to adopt a formal policy on the historic building, which once hosted concerts by groups like The Beatles, to ensure it would continue as an entertainment venue, should Rank ever chose to relocate.

Project Gaumont says it wants to work with building owner Rank, which successfully operates Mecca Bingo there.

The group proposes a £multi-million investment Click to continue »