It's been a big year for Shepton Mallet Town Council – and they've got the annual report to prove it.

From rescuing the town's public toilets to putting on a record-breaking Christmas lights switch-on, the council has been doing a lot more than just holding meetings.

The 2024–2025 report reveals a council that's stepped up in a big way, taking control of services once run by Somerset Council and pushing forward with bold plans to give Shepton the care and attention it deserves.

The council is now running the town's CCTV system, public toilets, and – from April 2025 – the Friday Market. That's right, the centuries-old market is officially back under local control, with big plans to bring in more traders and return it to its former glory.

The council says it's not just about ticking boxes – it's about making Shepton a place people are proud of. There's a new shelter by the pond in Collett Park, 33 new trees planted, a revamped Christmas lights event with the biggest tree Shepton's ever had, and even a live screening of Glastonbury Festival in the park.

Green flags and golden eggs

Collett Park retained its Green Flag status (again), and picked up a Pride in Parks award in its first ever South West in Bloom entry. It also played host to a string of well-loved events – including the Collett Park Day, which raised around £20,000 for community groups, a brand new Easter Egg Hunt, and a Glastonbury Festival Sunday watch party complete with deckchairs and picnic rugs.

The council also brought back the Innovator Awards, launched a new community events hub, and handed out grants to help local groups with everything from governance to fundraising.

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Toilets, taxes and town rangers

One of the big wins this year was keeping the town's public toilets open, despite threats of closure due to budget cuts higher up the chain. The council stepped in and took over the funding – along with the direct employment of town rangers, bringing street maintenance back under local control.

While the council admits it had to raise the precept (its share of council tax) last year to cover all these new responsibilities, it says it's worked hard to keep the rise to just 3.37% for 2025/26 – roughly in line with inflation.

And there's more to come. The "Shepton Means Business" group continues to push forward plans to boost the town centre, encourage footfall, and support shops, cafes and tourist attractions. Work is also under way to move the "Shepton's Mallet" sculpture to a more visible spot on the Strawberry Line and install a new archway to mark the route.

'Rolling up sleeves and getting it done'

In her message to residents, Town Clerk Claire Commons described the past year as one of "real progress and pride", adding that the council is now better equipped than ever to serve Shepton's community.

Cllr Dave Crisfield, in his first year as Chair, said the council had faced some tough challenges but responded with ambition – and results. "We're not just talking about change," he said. "We're doing it."

You can read the report in its entirety here.

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