Schools in the Shepton Mallet area are being offered free installation of health protection equipment by principal building contractor Melhuish and Saunders.

The construction sites of Melhuish and Saunders, who are based in Glastonbury, are all open and making progress on current building projects for various sectors including health and education.

The latest project to complete is essential roofing maintenance works at Maiden Beech Academy, in Crewkerne.

This is the second time Melhuish and Saunders have worked at the school within 12 months, working with local architects Wotton Donoghue and education property consultants Futures for Somerset, based in Bridgwater.

The client has been very happy with the works and a spokesperson said: "They have run an efficient and well-managed site."

This is a particularly stressful time for schools trying to cope with reduced staff numbers and their current responsibilities to keep the children of key workers safe while continuing their education.

On top of that, head teachers are having to come to terms with the government's recent instructions that Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 are to return from June 1 but within the constraints of social distancing and copious health and safety advice to reduce the risk of spreading the Covid-19 infection.

At short notice schools are now busy trying to prepare their buildings to ensure the increased in number of pupils will remain safe.

Melhuish and Saunders have been in contact with a number of schools with offers of help including free installation of hand sanitisers, perspex screens and any other related equipment.

If any school is not aware of this offer – they are welcome to contact the company direct via [email protected] or call 01458 831349.

For everything you need to know about Shepton Mallet and coronavirus, click here.