One of Shepton Mallet's key public spaces could be greatly enhanced in the coming years, providing a vital link between two new cycle routes which are currently under construction.

Collett Park serves as the eastern terminus of the Strawberry Line active travel route (which will eventually run uninterrupted all the way to Yatton railway station) and lies a short distance from a separate multi-user path being constructed over the disused Bath Road viaduct.

Shepton Mallet Town Council has now confirmed it intends to pursue a number of improvements to the park, which will complement the delivery of these new cycle links and make the green lung more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.

The council committed in principle to making changes to Collett Park in January 2023, and has spent much of the last 18 months consulting with residents and exploring the scope of the project ahead of contractors being appointed.

The project aims to "make a new gateway to the park", marking the start of the Strawberry Line at the end of Park Road (which runs from Collett Park to Townsend via the town council's offices and the former headquarters of Mendip District Council).

A spokesman said; "The project aims to support economic regeneration increasing the positive impact of the park and encouraging greater footfall to the town through the year.

"As well as improving facilities at the park, the aim is to provide a more enjoyable and diverse experience for park users and residents, supporting health and well-being, and bringing people in contact with one another and nature."

In addition to improving the entrance to the park (thereby making it easier for people to walk and cycle there), the project aims to enhance the Collett Park Cafe through the provision of indoor and outdoor seating, upgrade the public toilets (making them cleaner and more accessible) and improve the landscaping around the cafe area.

These proposals have been warmly welcomed by the Strawberry Line's loyal volunteers, who are currently hard at work delivering the latest section of the multi-user path to link the town centre to the West Shepton Playing Fields.

A crucial link between Collett Park and the town centre was opened in March 2023, with people now being able to walk or cycle under the busy A371.

The latest phase of construction will see a new bridge lifted into place this autumn across the B3136 West Shepton, linking the playing fields to a new stretch of path which runs from the A371 underpass through The Sidings residential area and close to the play area off Buckland Road.

A spokesman for the Strawberry Line said: "It's great to see plans are in hand with the town council to improve Collett Park at the start of the Strawberry Line.

"Linked to the current work on the West Shepton link (being carried out by Greenways and Cycle Routes), it's a real boost for the citizens of Shepton and surrounding communities.

"When the new bridge is in place over the B3136, it creates a safe, traffic-free route to the West Shepton sports and play facilities close at hand."

The stretch of path leading Collett Park under the A371 was funded by Mendip District Council, which granted permission back in December 2021 and set aside grant funding for the project before the transition to the new unitary Somerset Council began.

Somerset Council has been strongly supportive of both the Strawberry Line extensions and the new route over the Windsor Hill and Bath Road viaducts, which when complete will run all the way from the A37 Whitstone Hill to Ham Wood.

The spokesman for the Strawberry Line added: "Huge credit should go to Greenways and Cycle Routes, and the horde of volunteers in delivering this project, but we should not forget Somerset Council who are the driving force behind wider development of sustainable travel in our communities.

"This is a great example of positive partnership, delivering for our communities." 

Shepton Mallet Town Council is expected to agree the final design brief for the Collett Park enhancements when it meets on October 22, after which the project will go out to formal tender.

For more information on the proposals, visit www.sheptonmallet-tc.gov.uk/collettparkgateway.

For more information on the Strawberry Line, including how to volunteer, visit www.thestrawberryline.org.uk.