July recap: McDonald's, The Amulet, buses and town-centre renewal

Shepton Mallet's July headlines ranged from the future of the Amulet and the town's transport links to efforts to strengthen the Friday Market and support families through the summer holidays.

Plans were submitted to modernise the town's fire station, a business near Shepton Mallet was fined over fire safety failures, and Collett Park collected another national award.

Here are some of the stories which shaped the month.

Council, planning and the town centre

Plans were submitted for a 24-hour drive through McDonald's in Shepton Mallet.

McDonald's Restaurants Ltd have asked for permission to build a freestanding restaurant on part of the Townsend site, with a drive-thru lane, car parking, landscaping and customer order displays.

The future of the Amulet returned to the agenda when the Market Place building was again included on the Theatres Trust's national Theatres at Risk Register.

It was one of 39 venues included on the 2026 list, keeping attention on the condition and uncertain future of the former theatre.

Plans were also submitted for a major upgrade of Shepton Mallet Fire Station at Board Cross.

The station opened in August 1960 and has remained in continuous operational use for more than six decades. The proposed work would modernise the building and improve facilities for crews.

Outside the town, plans for a glamping development at Merryfield Farm near Cranmore drew objections over traffic, wildlife and the potential for late-night disturbance.

The application includes six holiday lets, camping and glamping areas, a reception building, parking, a dog pond, toilets and a wildflower meadow.

Shepton residents were also invited to help shape local plans for responding to flooding, extreme heat and other effects of climate change through a workshop organised by Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Business and the market

Shepton Mallet's historic Friday Market launched a search for new traders during July.

The market dates back to 1318 and remains part of the town centre's weekly routine, but organisers want to broaden the range of stalls and encourage more people to visit.

Food businesses were also invited to register an interest in trading at events held at the Bath & West Showground.

The call was aimed at local caterers able to serve visitors during the showground's programme of conferences, exhibitions and public events.

Transport

The announcement of a new bus between Glastonbury, Street and Castle Cary railway station prompted frustration in Shepton Mallet, which will not be served by the route.

The new 567 will operate seven days a week, connecting passengers with trains at Castle Cary, but the decision renewed questions about Shepton's own public transport links.

Crime and courts

A company running a guest house near Shepton Mallet was fined after admitting fire safety failures.

Prestleigh Inn B&B Limited was fined £26,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £5,700 in costs following a prosecution by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The case followed an investigation into a five-bedroom guest house after a visitor raised concerns about fire safety.

Police also carried out a rural crime operation which resulted in an arrest and the recovery of suspected stolen property.

Health, education and families

Families were invited to collect free pre-owned school uniform through a local giveaway intended to reduce household costs and prevent usable clothing from going to waste.

Oakhill Church School said farewell to Ann Stringer after 33 years of service.

During her time at the school, she worked as a crossing patrol, dinner lady and member of the breakfast and after-school club team.

The latest GP Patient Survey showed strong scores for clinical care at practices serving Shepton Mallet.

Park Medical Practice recorded a 99 per cent score for confidence and trust in healthcare professionals, while Grove House Surgery recorded 97 per cent. The wider results showed a more mixed picture when patients were asked about access to services.

Environment and community

Collett Park retained its Green Flag Award, recognising the work carried out to maintain and manage the town's main public park.

Figures showing 11,704 hours of sewage spills across the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency led MP Tessa Munt to call for changes to the water industry.

The figures covered 1,081 spills during the year.

Shepton Mallet law firm BGW Solicitors was also recognised after raising more through the Will Aid scheme than any other participating firm in the country.

What's on

Plans were announced for a free circus day in Collett Park, featuring low wire, hula hoop, fun wheel and juggling workshops led by Wookey Hole Circus.

The day will finish with a performance by the professional circus team.

Shepton Mallet Prison launched a summer offer allowing up to two children aged between five and 15 to visit free with each paying adult until Tuesday, 1 September.

Eligible children can also receive a free snack box, subject to the terms of the offer.

The All the World's Our Playground festival returned with theatre, performance and activities, while the Bath & West Showground prepared for the arrival of the New Wine gathering.

Looking ahead to August

The Art Bank will hold its Summer Fridays for children on 7, 14 and 21 August, with sessions covering art, clay, cooking, outdoor learning and creative play.

Shepton Mallet Prison's free child admission offer will continue throughout the month, while the Bath & West Showground will remain busy with its summer programme.

Residents will also be watching for progress on the fire station plans, the future of the Amulet and efforts to bring more traders into the Friday Market.