A local charity is asking Shepton Mallet residents whether it should step in to save one of the town's most iconic buildings — The Bell Hotel — and bring it back into community use.

Interim Spaces, the group behind 10 Market Place, Commercial Road Studios, and The Artistry, is now exploring whether to launch a bold £500,000 fundraising campaign to buy and renovate the derelict pub.

The Bell — whose name harks back to the old market bell once rung to open trade in the town square — has stood in Shepton since at least 1650, but has lain empty for years. It was designated an Asset of Community Value in April 2024 following a successful campaign by the group.

Now, Interim Spaces says it wants to test the appetite for transforming the site into a community-run pub and inn, offering food, drink, events, affordable accommodation and flexible space for locals.

"We know how much The Bell means to Shepton — it's a huge part of our heritage," the group said. "We're asking the community directly: should we take this on? And if we do, what would you love to see it become?"

The proposal includes a full heritage renovation, daytime space for working or family meet-ups, evening events, local food, and rooms for overnight visitors. The group says any profits would be reinvested into local community grants and initiatives.

Possible extras include a community breakfast scheme, market-day bakery use, and event tie-ins with other venues.

Residents are being urged to have their say via a community survey here: https://forms.gle/sMtQ7JMnwBpCRzG66

Interim Spaces says it will publish anonymised results to help shape the future of the project.

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