Collett Park Café in Shepton Mallet is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, but the milestone comes amidst uncertainty due to a lease dispute with the Shepton Mallet Town Council.

To mark the anniversary, the cafe's owner, Jo Murray announced a special 'Music in the Park' event this August on a date to be decided.

"Just like the good old days, when Ian would chat away while the rest of us ran around like crazy," she wrote, promising to share the date soon.

However, the future of Collett Park Café faces challenges.

"Earlier this year, the Council refused our lease renewal and insisted we leave the park within 12 months," Jo explained.

After applying for a new lease at Bristol County Court, Jo secured an extension until December 2026.

However, the town council is looking to improve facilities in Collett Park, and is looking at the possibility of a new cafe.

Ms Murray is urging the community to support the café in its current form.

"If you, like us, love the café and want us to stay, we need your help," she wrote.

In response, the Shepton Mallet Town Council issued a statement addressing the concerns. "The Town Council's planned redevelopment of the café and facilities is a continuation of the council's investment in the park following the successful redesign of the play area," the statement read.

The Council aims to provide a café that operates in all weather conditions, with extended hours and improved facilities.

"It is the Town Council's responsibility, as trustees of the Collett Park charity, to care for and maintain the park for the benefit of the wider community," the Council stated.

They highlighted the need for urgent regeneration of the park's buildings to ensure they meet the town's needs long into the future.

The Council emphasised the importance of public input and encouraged residents to participate in the consultation process.

"The decision has not yet been made as to how the new café facilities will operate and this will be discussed at a council meeting on June 25th," they noted. Options include the Council operating the café directly or it being run by a tenant, with the current tenant given the opportunity to be part of the new offering.

"As always, the decisions made by the council are made in public meetings that everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend," the Council added, inviting the community to the next meeting on June 25th.

You can find Jo's post in full here, and Shepton Town Council's full response here.