News in 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.

People in Shepton Mallet are being urged to use the countryside responsibly this Easter to ensure farmers can continue to do their vital work to keep providing food during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual is encouraging walkers and runners to keep to footpaths and for dog owners to keep their pets under control as they are expected to take to the countryside during their permitted daily exercise this Bank Holiday weekend.

The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, launched by the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), is offering fast-tracked funding for all Shepton Mallet charities, community organisations and volunteer groups helping those in most urgent need during the coronavirus outbreak.

Grants up to £10,000 are available and the SCF, which is based at the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet, pledges to award funding within three working days.

Despite the coronavirus crisis, work continues at Wraxall Vineyard near Shepton Mallet to make sure the wine keeps flowing during lockdown.

Being agricultural workers, owners Jacky Brayton and Brian Shirley continue to be hard at work and hope that local people will get in touch to order their finest creations.

Sweeping changes to Shepton Mallet's kerbside recycling have been put on hold as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has been gearing up for its new Recycle More scheme, which will see more items be accepted for recycling via weekly collections.

A new Coronavirus Status Checker that will help the NHS co-ordinate its response and build up additional data on the Covid-19 outbreak has been launched - and people in Shepton Mallet are being urged to use it.

People with potential coronavirus symptoms are now being asked to complete the status checker and answer a short series of questions which will tell the NHS about their experience.

One in three people in work in the Mendip district, which includes Shepton Mallet, earn less than the so-called "real living wage" calculated by the charity the Living Wage Foundation.

This include hundreds of key workers dubbed critical to the fight against the coronavirus crisis by the government, such as cleaners and porters, teaching assistants and carers.

Husband and wife Adam Marshall and Jade Ogden, who live near Shepton Mallet, are planning a special treat to celebrate Jade's birthday... shaving their heads for charity.

Adam will be cutting off Jade's wavy locks while Jade will be taking the clippers not only to Adam's hair, but also the beard he has sported for seven years.

Shepton Mallet Chamber of Commerce has urged small businesses in the town to keep applying for help from the government that they think they are entitled to.

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak today (Friday April 3) took further action to support firms affected by the coronavirus crisis by bolstering business interruption loans for small businesses.

Citizens Advice Mendip, which has an office in Shepton Mallet, has received a grant of £2,000 from the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal.

The appeal is being organised by the Somerset Community Foundation, which is based at the Bath and West Showground, near Shepton Mallet.