SHEPTON Mallet Town Council has called on the new unitary authority to help it explore how vacant offices in the town centre could be better used to benefit the community.

The Shape Mendip campus, located off the A371 Cannard’s Grave Road, was the headquarters of Mendip District Council before its abolition in April, and is currently being used by the town council, Citizens Advice and the new Somerset Council.

The town council passed a resolution in May that it would explore the commercial options for the site, looking at how parts of the campus could be secured to provide health services or leisure facilities as part of wider ambitions to regenerate the town.

The unitary council has promised that it will work with the town council and NHS Somerset to find the best possible use for the surplus buildings.

Matt Harrison, chairman of Shepton Mallet Town Council, laid out his concerns before Somerset Council when the full council convened in Bridgwater on May 24.

He said: “Somerset Council should engage with the town council’s resolution to undertake a commercial options appraisal, so the two organisations can have a serious commercial and political conversation about it.

“Given the context of Shepton Mallet now being without a leisure centre, and question marks looming large over the future of the minor injuries unit (MIU), the town council should lead this conversation.

“The Somerset Integrated Care Board and local primary care networks are undertaking significant research about potentially needing space at Shape Mendip, so the organisations should make sure we are joined-up on this.”

Shepton Mallet’s MIU, which operates within the community hospital on Bucklers Way, is one of several MIUs currently operated by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust promised in May 2022 that the MIUs would continue to operate despite the introduction of the new GP community pharmacy consultation service, which is designed to reduce the need for GP appointments for those with minor ailments who require urgent treatment.

Councillor Ros Wyke, portfolio holder for economy, planning and assets, said that she was willing to work with local representatives to find the best future use for the Shape Mendip complex.

She said: “It is recognised there are a number of concerns about ongoing issues with respect to the town, and I recognise they are important.

“I can assure you that the relevant councillors and officers will be willing to meet with you to discuss each of the points in detail and discuss the next steps.

“There are a lot of exciting opportunities for Shepton Mallet, and we need to get these on the table and make sure these move forward.”