The Shambles, in Shepton Mallet, has been fenced off as it awaits repairs. Picture: Shepton Mallet Town Council

Historic Shambles landmark in Shepton Mallet fenced of after safety inspection

Paul JonesOctober 13, 20250 Comment0

A HISTORIC landmark in the centre of Shepton Mallet has been fenced off after a health and safety inspection.

The Shambles – a Grade II-listed monument harking back to around 1450 – is a renovated market stall representing those that used to grace the town, known as ‘shambles’.

Curved timbers supporting the roof date back more than 500 years, with the bay being restored and reinstated after the larger market area was demolished in 1919 as a memento.

However, an inspection last week raised some concerns over the safety of the structure, Shepton Mallet Town Council said.

“Last week, we had our annual Health and Safety audit, which includes carrying out risk assessments of all our assets, including the Shambles,” they explained.

“Following the audit, our health and safety specialists advised that the Shambles be temporarily fenced off to ensure public safety until the structure can be made more secure.

“We will work as quickly as possible to make the structure safe, taking into consideration its current listed status.”