Shepton Mallet's Community Fridge has reopened after being forced to shut for three days following incidents of abuse towards volunteers.

The fridge, based at the Haskins Retail Centre between Screwfix and Aldi, closed earlier this week after two volunteers were subjected to both verbal and physical abuse by two members of the public.

Organisers said the offences were "minor" but still unacceptable, adding that the decision to close — the first in nearly three years of operation — was difficult but necessary to protect their team.

In a statement, the team said: "Since we opened almost three years ago we barely missed a single day, including Christmas – apart from that storm day – so it was a hard, but rightful decision to close."

They thanked Avon and Somerset Police for their swift response and said local officers had remained in regular contact and would continue to work with the team to help keep the service safe for everyone.

"The individuals involved have been spoken to by the police and made aware that they are not welcome at the Community Fridge," the statement said. "Any attempt to return will result in immediate contact with the police."

The fridge offers free surplus food to anyone who needs it, and is run entirely by volunteers. Organisers said they were grateful for the support and kindness of the wider community during the closure.

"Meeting you all at the fridge is a joy that the team share, and as well as saving food from going to waste it's a pleasure to meet so many friendly and appreciative faces," they said.

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The Community Fridge is now back open as normal.