Shepton Mallet Town Council annual report sets out busy year

By Laura Linham 17th Apr 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 17th Apr 2026

Shepton Mallet Town Council has set out a busy year for the town, with regeneration work, Collett Park improvements and community events all featuring in its new annual report.

The 2025-26 report also marks a change at the top, with Town Clerk Claire Commons saying it is her final year in the role before moving on to a new post. Deputy Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer Kerry Jolliffe is due to step up as clerk.

Among the biggest projects highlighted are the setting up of a town board to help push forward economic regeneration, a consultation on support for young people and the appointment of architects for the next phase of the Collett Park redevelopment.

The council said the park remains one of its main priorities, with plans including new toilets, a café with covered seating, bike racks and improved links to the Strawberry Line. A new gateway at the Cannards Grave Road entrance and the relocation of the "Shepton's Mallet" sculpture were also singled out in the report.

The annual update points to a strong year for town events too. The Friday Market was said to have continued growing, while the Christmas lights switch-on and Sunday market were described as a successful joint venture. Collett Park Day also drew more than 5,000 people in 2025, with next year's event set to celebrate 120 years since the park was donated to the town.

Council chair Dave Crisfield described the year as "busy and productive", while also noting the challenges facing the authority. These included staff changes, pressure on office space and the growing likelihood of more services and assets being passed down from Somerset Council.

On the money side, the report says the town council brought in £1,110,510 through its precept in 2025-26, with staffing accounting for the largest share of spending. The council also said it had agreed what it described as a modest 2.5 per cent precept increase for 2026-27.

The report paints a picture of a town council trying to do more locally, from supporting community groups and events to taking on extra responsibilities such as public toilets, markets and other local assets.