News in Shepton Mallet

The Government has today (March 27) issued advice for pet owners and livestock keepers in Shepton Mallet about caring for their animals during the coronavirus pandemic.

There is no evidence of the virus circulating in pets or other animals in the UK and there is nothing to suggest animals may transmit the disease to humans.

The Government has today (March 27) issued guidance on exercising and using green spaces in a bid to protect yourself and others during the coronavirus pandemic.

It says: "The Government's priority is to save lives and the best way to protect yourself and others from illness is to stay at home.

Shepton Mallet AFC have backed the cancellation of their football season and the results being expunged despite it meaning they have missed out on a push for promotion.

The Toolstation Western League Premier Division side were sitting sixth in the table before the coronavirus crisis hit, but will now see this season scrubbed from the record books following the Football Association's decision to call off all the 2019/20 action.

Avon and Somerset Police now has dispersal powers to help ensure everyone in Shepton Mallet adheres to the social distancing guidance laid out by the Government and Public Health England.

These powers have been granted under the Health Regulations 2020 and came into effect yesterday (March 26).

The A371 is partially blocked outside of Shepton Mallet following a crash this afternoon (March 26).

The incident has happened on Prestleigh Hill, between the Prestleigh Inn and the Whitstone Corner roundabout.

Mendip District Council has suspended Shepton Mallet Market with immediate effect.

The council says it comes as tougher restrictions are placed on people's movements nationwide, to curb Covid-19.

The Somerset Waste Partnership has announced that Dimmer Recycling Centre and all the county's recycling sites have been closed until further notice as a result of the coronavirus.

This follows the latest government advice on avoiding non-essential contact and travel, and the challenges of ensuring public and staff safety at the busy sites where physical distancing is difficult.

Shepton Mallet Market will remain open and continue to run to ensure essential items are available to the public.

Mendip District Council has taken the decision to continue to run the service that runs on Fridays, albeit a reduced one, following Government guidelines.

Downside School, in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, has applied to Mendip District Council build nine homes for key workers.

The school has applied for the building nine dwellings on land off Fosse Way, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, which is in between the football ground and Linkmead.

Vehicle owners in Shepton Mallet will be granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home, or shop for necessities.

All cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MOT test will be exempted from needing a test from March 30.