Colourful new signs have been put up on the edge of town, welcoming people to Shepton Mallet.

The new signs, which have been sited at various locations on the major routes leading into the town, are part of Shepton Mallet Town Council's plans for investment in the area.

According to the Town Council, the signs have been "designed to represent the town's industrial heritage, cultural vibrancy, and community-focused economy."

Councillor Matt Harrison, Chair of Shepton Mallet Town Council, said; "First impressions are very important and we wanted the new boundary signage to be visually pleasing, easy-to-understand and have a positive impact on those who live, work, and visit in the town. We've tried to draw together images that celebrate the many aspects of Shepton Mallet and make it such a special place. We wanted to give people a sense of arrival when they reach the town.

"It is hoped that the new boundary signage, which has replaced old signs that are out-of-date or in need of repair, will help to boost civic pride. The town's signage is an important factor in the town's overall public image, impacting both how local residents perceive and feel about their place of residence, as well as the perceptions of those visiting the town."

Shepton Mallet Town Council initially awarded a budget of £25,000 for the project, although estimates suggested that the sum would probably be more like £15,000. In the end, the project was delivered for a cost of less than £10,000.

The funds came from the EMR Town Capital Replacement (EMR = Ear-Marked Reserves) and is a budget specifically set aside for such projects.