Those wanting to visit the graves of loved ones at Shepton Mallet Cemetery will now be allowed access during the current works to improve the site.

Previously, access was denied due to health and safety reasons, but now a member of staff from the works contractors will be on site to enable people to visit the cemetery.

Mendip District Council brought about the change after it became aware of some concerns around the work taking place and the disruption that it is causing for those wishing to visit the site.

Works started at Shepton Mallet Cemetery earlier this month to raise the ground level of the cemetery, and this area of raised ground will help to provide adequate burial capacity for the next 60 years.

Cllr Nick Cottle, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, said: "We appreciate that the work taking place at Shepton Mallet Cemetery to raise the ground level is causing some disruption for those wishing to visit the cemetery.

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that the work is causing and would like to reassure you that we are working with the contractors on-site to ensure that this is minimised."

The council has now arranged for the contractor working on-site to facilitate entry to the site until the scheduled completion of the works on 23rd September, weather dependant.

A member of staff will be on the gate at either end of the bridge, who will lead people into and away from the site during the day between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Due to safety, access would be limited to one group at a time and no access will be allowed when lorries are delivering.

Those visiting the site will need to ensure that they are wearing appropriate footwear due to the conditions, and vehicles will need to be parked on Waterloo Road as there will be no car access over the bridge.

Due to the ground conditions and health and safety concerns it will not be possible to facilitate evening or night time access.

The working area has been protected by Heras fencing which will be in place for the duration of the work.

Upon completion the ground will be fully reinstated with a Landscape Mix grass seed. In addition, a tree planting scheme will be implemented this autumn to enhance the cemetery as a whole.

Cllr Cottle said: "We hope that the measures that we have put in place to allow access to the site help to alleviate any concerns and allow for adequate access."

Anyone with any further concerns can contact the Neighbourhood Service team at Mendip District Council on [email protected].