News in Shepton Mallet

A full-time carer from Shepton Mallet has shared his experiences to mark National Carers Week.

Bob Champion has shared his story of life as an unpaid carer, as Healthwatch Somerset looks to mark the week, which runs until June 14.

The luxury handbag maker Mulberry, which has its headquarters in Chilcompton, announced this morning (June 8) that it is going to cut 25 per cent of its workforce as it can only see a gradual recovery of its sales.

The job losses are expected to have a big impact on the Chilcompton site - sources told Shepton Mallet Nub News that affected staff members were told on a video call at 10am this morning.

Public Health England statistics have revealed that Mendip has the second lowest coronavirus infection rate in England.

The area, which covers Shepton Mallet, has a rate of 56.6 cases of coronavirus per 100,000 people, and there have been a total of 65 cases in the district since the crisis began.

There are scheduled to be temporary traffic lights at the bottom of Waterloo Road in Shepton Mallet this week.

The multi-way lights are due to be in place at the junction of Waterloo Road/Rectory Road and The Batch from Monday (June 8) to Wednesday (June 10).

These dramatic photos show the intensity of the fire at Lydford-on-Fosse on Friday, and the bravery of the firefighters, including those from Shepton Mallet, who tackled it.

The blaze on Friday afternoon (June 5) was tackled by multiple crews from across the area and these photos, published by Shepton Mallet Nub News with the permission of Rag 'n' Drone Man Photography, show the challenge that faced the firefighters.

The partner of the victim of an attack in Cowl Street, Shepton Mallet, last year has appealed for new witnesses come forward after the police filed the case.

The couple, who have both asked not to be named, have pleaded for any new evidence to be given to the police, following the attack in August 2019.

A Shepton Mallet charity has joined Somerset cricket legend Marcus Trescothick in a new video promoting Mindline Somerset, a confidential listening service with a 24-hour telephone service to give emotional support and counselling to anyone in need and help them find further support.

The service is one of many local mental health projects funded by Somerset Community Foundation's (SCF) Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, and Paula Blight from the Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) in Shepton Mallet is featured in the video, along with the former England cricketer.

Firefighters from Shepton Mallet were among multiple crews who tackled a workshop blaze in Lydford-on-Fosse yesterday (June 5).

Just after 5.30pm yesterday, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service control received a call reporting a vehicle inside a workshop on fire in Lydford-on-Fosse.

Two crews extinguished a fire at the Valley Sawmills site in Holwell this afternoon.

At about 12.45pm, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was called to a report of a fire at Valley Sawmills.

Drivers could soon be fined £100 for leaving their engine running in Shepton Mallet's car parks or other public locations.

Mendip District Council is exploring various options to improve the district's air quality as part of its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2030.