Shepton Mallet Town Council will vote this week on whether to begin taking over dozens of local green spaces and play areas currently owned by Somerset Council.

A report going before Full Council on Tuesday, 6 January recommends the town takes control of 158 land parcels, including West Shepton Playing Fields, Queens Road and Barrington Close play areas, and dozens of small grassed areas across Shepton.

The move is part of a wider push by Somerset Council to pass community assets to local control. Shepton Mallet Town Council is being asked to agree in principle so officers can carry out legal checks, site surveys, and assess the costs and risks.

No final decision will be made this week — but approving the report would allow work to begin this month.

If the transfer goes ahead, the Town Council would become responsible for maintaining the land, trees and play equipment. The sites range from major community spaces with long-term tenants to small patches of grass in housing areas.

Early estimates suggest the annual cost could be up to £47,000, with around £5,000 needed for initial inspections and legal work. Officers say similar transfers in other towns have taken up to 18 months.

The Town Council has already stepped in to cover play equipment repairs at Barrington Close after Somerset Council said it could no longer afford to pay.

The council will meet at the Council Chamber at 7pm on Tuesday evening to debate the plan.

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