Shepton Mallet Town Council has backed a three-year funding deal for the Art Bank, approving a multi-year agreement to help pay for dedicated bid-writing capacity. The decision was taken after councillors debated whether support should run for three years or be cut to two.

The meeting heard that the Art Bank, now operating as a community interest company, had secured more than £96,000 in external funding over the past year. Councillors were told the latest request was aimed at funding bid-writing capacity rather than general running costs, with the goal of helping the venue bring in larger grants and become more financially stable.

Cllr Janet Reilly said: "I would actually just like to propose that we run with a recommendation today." She later said she still "fully supported" the committee recommendation for a three-year agreement.

Supporters said the longer commitment would give the organisation the stability it needs to plan for the future. Cllr James Brittain said the Art Bank was "a jewel in Shep Mallet's crown", while Cllr Jane Nicklin said she was "very much behind this", telling the meeting that "fundraising is hard work" and support for that function was "absolutely crucial".

There was not complete agreement over the length of the deal. Cllr Jon Ducker said he wanted to support the project but added: "My preference is for two years," arguing that a third year of funding might otherwise be unavailable to other groups in the town. Cllr Edric Hobbs also backed support in principle, but said he was "happy to support the two-year".

Despite that split, councillors voted through the three-year option.

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