News in Shepton Mallet

News from the front... "Who do you think you are kidding COVID-19, if you think old Shepton's done"?

"Doomed, we're all doomed", is the cry of any COVID-19 germs here at Shepton Mallet Ambulance Platoon.

Evercreech councillor Barry O'Leary has confirmed that Mendip District Council has issued grants to more than 1,000 organisations affected by the coronavirus crisis offering a lifeline to small businesses in both rural settings and in towns.

"For many business, be it food production, the local hairdresser or even Evercreech's chocolate maker this money is a bridge rather than a bailout," said Barry, who is the Cabinet Member for Finance and Enterprise.

A husband and wife, who live near Shepton Mallet, have braved the shave and raised more than £1,700 for charity in the process - more than double their initial target.

Adam Marshall and Jade Ogden decided to chop their locks - and the beard Adam has sported for seven years - to celebrate Jade's birthday yesterday (April 15).

Shepton Mallet Fire Station will be providing additional support to assist South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) during the coronavirus pandemic.

SWASFT have invested in 15 ambulances to be "dual-crewed" by partners in the South West region. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be allocated five of these, including one in Shepton Mallet.

A scheme that enables members of the public to sponsor a cake for health workers has been a massive success for a Shepton Mallet cafe.

The Cheeky Bean, which is normally bustling in the centre of the town, is being kept busy in the lockdown by the number of cakes being sponsored by residents.

A planning application has been submitted to Mendip District Council to build three homes in Leigh-on-Mendip.

The application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved for the building of three dwellings with details of access at Corner Cottage, Quarry Lane, Leigh-on-Mendip, has been submitted by Miss R Cole.

The Glen care home, in the village of Evercreech near Shepton Mallet, is currently coronavirus-free, its operator has confirmed today (Tuesday April 14).

A total of 232 - almost two-thirds - of the company's 328 care homes have been affected by the outbreak.

Residents from around a huge blaze near to Stoke St Michael have been asked to keep their doors and windows closed.

Police have made an urgent appeal for witnesses to a fatal accident in East Cranmore last night (April 8).

It happened at about 6.30pm on the A361 near Shepton Mallet.

A new Airbnb guest house will be opening in Shepton Mallet after planners gave the proposals their backing.

The planning application for the change of use from C3 dwellinghouse to C1 guest house at 35 Board Cross, Shepton Mallet, by Rebecca Pocock has been approved by Mendip District Council planners.