Mendip District Council is supporting stallholders in Shepton Mallet with a rent-free offer this summer in a bid to boost businesses and build back confidence in our high streets.

All those operating from a Mendip-managed market will trade for free throughout June and July. The decision will then be reviewed on a month-by-month basis, for up to six months.

Wells and Frome were first to set up stall last week, following a complete review of layouts to ensure the markets met Government guidelines.

As the national restrictions ease, the council will be working with stallholders to ensure the markets at Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet begin to open too.

Cllr Nick Cottle, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, said: "Mendip Markets have a key role to play in regeneration after a long period of instability.

"We wanted to support them, and attract them back to our high streets. A rent cut offer of two months seemed an entirely appropriate gesture to help our traders as they manage their return to the marketplace."

Mendip Markets were suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.