The temporary pedestrianisation of Shepton Mallet High Street from June 18 is being considered in a bid to help shops reopen.

Somerset County Council and Mendip District Council are consulting with Shepton Mallet Town Council over the possible pedestrianisation of the High Street from the Market Cross up to the Park Road Roundabout, with delivery access only.

If it goes ahead, the pedestrianisation is scheduled to come into place on June 18, thanks to the county receiving £120,000 of government money to put emergency measures in place to help small businesses reopen when some lockdown measures are eased from Monday (June 15).

It is not known at this time for how many hours in a day the closure will be in place for, nor for how many days in total, but Shepton Mallet Nub News has asked the county and district councils for clarification.

In the run-up to reopening, Mendip has been busy offering businesses advice on safety issues, social distancing and signage, using monies provided by the European Regional Development Fund for Reopening High Streets Safely.

The temporary pedestrianisation will allow for the widening of pavements outside shops and to promote more walking and cycling commutes.

The district council has been discussing these arrangements with Somerset County Council using the £120,000 emergency funding from the Government's Active Travel Fund.

In its commitment to supporting the recovery of the local economy, Mendip has also announced that market stallholders will pay no rent throughout June and July, and all Mendip-operated pay and display car parks will remain free for the foreseeable future.

Further businesses, such as restaurants and pubs, hairdressers and nail salons, could start to open in July, dependent on government advice.

The public are encouraged to stay safe by continuing to adhere to social distancing by keeping two metres apart and by wearing a face covering in shops and other enclosed public spaces. From Monday, you must also wear a face covering on public transport.