A museum, taxi rank, cycle hub and more places to eat in the evening are among ideas being put forward for the future of Shepton Mallet.

Shepton Mallet Town Board has published a selection of suggestions submitted by members of the public and is inviting other residents to say whether they support the ideas or have comments of their own.

The proposals are public suggestions rather than agreed or funded projects, and the Town Board website does not give a date for each individual submission.

One idea calls for a museum telling the story of Shepton Mallet and the surrounding area.

The resident behind the proposal said the town had been without a museum for many years, leaving visitors with limited opportunities to learn more about its history.

They suggested that, if funding became available, one of Shepton Mallet's empty buildings could potentially be acquired and converted for use as a museum.

Another submission calls for a taxi rank in the town, with the resident asking: "Why can't Shepton have a taxi rank? I believe that one is needed."

Further investment in the Strawberry Line also features among the suggestions.

One proposal calls for sections of the route to be joined together and for the Windsor Hill route to be extended across the Barrendown Hill and Kilver Court viaducts.

The submission argues that creating a more complete route could attract more walkers and cyclists, bring additional trade to local businesses and help establish Shepton Mallet as a cycle hub.

It also acknowledges the work already being carried out by volunteers while arguing that a route on that scale would need further support.

Shepton Mallet's evening economy is another area residents have highlighted.

One suggestion calls for more places serving food in the evening, including independent restaurants and temporary pop-up events in empty High Street units.

The proposal suggests inviting chefs to hold feast nights and tasting menus, potentially working with farms and food producers from the surrounding area.

The resident said their family and visitors currently travel outside Shepton Mallet when looking for places to eat and would like more choice within the town itself.

The Town Board is continuing to accept ideas through its website, while residents can also comment on suggestions which have already been submitted.

The published suggestions and feedback information can be found on the Shepton Mallet Town Board website.

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