News in Shepton Mallet

Details of when and how the recycling centres that serve Shepton Mallet could reopen are expected within days following new advice from central government.

Dulcote and Dimmer recycling centres will not operate in the same way as before lockdown, and it is expected that there will be restrictions on how many people can visit and what they can bring.

A 96-year-old former school secretary died of natural causes after suffering a cardiac event in Shepton Mallet's Collett Park, an inquest has concluded.

Betty Margaret Bower, of Kyte Road, Shepton Mallet, died on January 25 2020 when she suffered a naturally-occurring cardiac event which would prove fatal, causing her to fall into Collett Park Pond where she was found by Parkrun organisers, who attempted to revive her.

A further three care home deaths linked to coronavirus have occurred in Mendip, new figures reveal.

It comes as care home bosses across the UK warn of problems in sourcing sufficient levels of personal protective equipment (PPE), while Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the number of deaths in care homes is still "far too high".

Paul Street Community Centre in Shepton Mallet has received a £10,000 boost by claiming a government Coronavirus Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant.

Mendip District Council is now urging other eligible village halls and community centres to register for a £10,000 Government grant.

Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, an 86-year-old volunteer with East Somerset Railway in Cranmore is tackling his own fundraising challenge by climbing to the top of Bruton's dovecote 100 times.

Mike Kelham, who lives in Bruton, is tackling the climbing challenge for raise money for NHS Charities Together, which supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for coronavirus patients - and he has already smashed his £1,350 target despite only being just over halfway through.

Residents of Lamyatt have criticised plans by Wyke Farms to convert a pig farm into a storage unit for cheese and butter.

The company, based in Wyke Champflower, has applied to demolish several buildings at its "Lambrook pig unit" in the neighbouring village of Lamyatt, and replace them with eight new storage units.

There is still time for Shepton Mallet artists to enter this year's Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) open competition.

It might be all change for the format of the 2020 WAC exhibition, but plans are full steam ahead to ensure people can still see the shortlisted entries of contemporary art from around the world.

Leigh-on-Mendip is gearing up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday (May 8) within the social distancing guidelines.

Using social media, Leigh-on-Mendip Parish Council has asked residents to get involved with the celebrations and have the following plans.

Mendip District Council will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on its social media channels this year – and it's urging residents in the Shepton Mallet area to join in the virtual commemorations too.

The coronavirus outbreak has restricted traditional community events, however the council is inviting people to post their stories, photos and videos online instead, so they can be shared as we all celebrate together on the Bank Holiday Friday, May 8, 2020.

Shepton Mallet is thankfully yet to see a death relating to coronavirus, according to the latest figures released today (May 1).

The figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show, for the first time, deaths at a local level for people who have contracted Covid-19.