The Bell Inn has officially been designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV), sparking renewed hope for its future after three years of closure. The pub, which has stood in the heart of the town for centuries, was forced to close in 2020 due to a combination of anti-social behaviour and allegations of illegal activities. Since then, it has remained boarded up, causing concern among locals that it could be lost to developers.

The push to secure ACV status came from a dedicated group of local residents, business owners, and community leaders who were determined to save the pub from the risk of commercial development. The official ACV designation gives the community a vital opportunity: if the pub is put up for sale, local groups now have a six-month window to raise funds and make a bid to purchase the property before it is listed on the open market.

For many in Shepton Mallet, the Bell Inn is more than just a pub—it's a piece of the town's heritage. The inn has long been a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, making its closure a significant loss to the town's social fabric. By securing the ACV listing, the community has taken a crucial step toward reclaiming the pub and potentially restoring it as a vital social hub for the town.

The campaign to save the Bell Inn gained widespread support over the past year, with many locals expressing their desire to see the historic pub returned to its former glory. The closure left a noticeable gap in the town's High Street, and its boarded-up exterior served as a reminder of the challenges many local businesses have faced in recent years.

However, with the ACV status now in place, there is growing optimism that the pub can be revived.

One of the key benefits of the ACV status is that it prioritises the community's interests over private investors, giving local residents the chance to organise a bid to take control of the property. This could allow the pub to be reopened under community ownership or as a social enterprise, keeping its historic character intact while ensuring it serves the needs of the people of Shepton Mallet.

The future of the Bell Inn is now in the hands of the local community, and while there is still much work to be done to secure the funding required, the ACV listing has been celebrated as a victory for the town. Residents are hopeful that with enough support, the Bell Inn can once again become a thriving part of Shepton Mallet's social and cultural life.

As the process moves forward, community leaders are encouraging residents to get involved in the campaign to save the Bell Inn, with plans for fundraising events and further efforts to rally support. There is a real sense of optimism that the pub, which has been a cornerstone of the town for generations, will once again be a place where locals and visitors can gather and enjoy the unique charm of Shepton Mallet.