The owner of the Bell Inn in Shepton Mallet has formally put the long‑boarded High Street pub up for sale, triggering a six‑week moratorium under its Asset of Community Value (ACV) status.

A public notice posted outside the building by Somerset Council confirms the sale process has begun but — because the Bell is listed as an ACV — it cannot be sold before Thursday, 1 January 2026.

That gives local community groups until the deadline to lodge a formal expression of interest to bid for the property.

If a qualifying community interest group comes forward, a full six‑month protection period will run, during which only bids from eligible local organisations can be considered. Communities now have until Wednesday, 20 May 2026 to organise and prepare proposals.

The pub has stood empty since 2020 following reported anti‑social behaviour and alleged illegal activity that led to its closure. Local campaigners secured ACV status earlier this year to protect the historic building from being lost to private development and to create a chance for community ownership.

Campaigners say the sale represents a vital opportunity to secure the future of the Bell Inn, potentially reopening it as a community‑run pub, social enterprise or local hub that keeps its heritage alive and benefits the town's social fabric.

To trigger the extended six‑month window, groups must submit a signed expression of interest on headed paper to Somerset Council by 1 January 2026. If no such interest is received by that date, the owner will be free to sell the property on the open market.

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