Future Shepton currently has a majority, and leads the Town Council. In the last two years, Future Shepton has re-energised the council, achieved an excellent track record for community initiatives, brought about positive change, and responded where it really matters to local people.
Future Shepton councillors are ordinary residents of Shepton. Few had any previous experience of local politics, but plenty of experience in getting stuff done! Their ‘Future Shepton Pledge’ reflects this; they are not aligned to any national political party, make decisions openly, get things done, empower residents and respect differing opinions.
Look what we’ve achieved
The results over the last 3 years speak for themselves. Future Shepton councillors sponsored the first strategic 4 year ‘Town Plan’ to help many of the projects talked about for years finally come to fruition.
We listened and heard you
We asked local people about their priorities. You said: invest in more play equipment; plant more trees; refurbish Town and High Street and paint the eyesores; focus on the community.
Improving the town centre – Led by Future Shepton over the last 18 months, the town council has improved the town centre with new surfacing in the Market Place and Town Street, bicycle racks and sign posting. We replaced tired and outdated welcome signs with new ones to welcome visitors and encourage them to stop and stay a while. And we’re about to see our new in-town signs erected.
Planting trees – We invited people from the town to plant 21 trees in Collett Park to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Focus on community – We supported the refurbishment of the library and its ambition to become a centre for the local community. Through community grants we have helped lots of groups and individuals. We have launched two brand new Summer and Winter programmes of arts and cultural events.
Our Future Vision for Shepton
Collett Park is the jewel in Shepton’s crown. Plans are already well underway to build a new play area in the park. It will be our top priority. We will build a new play park within 12 months.
Shepton Mallet Prison’s visitor target for this year is 60,000 and 300,000 by 2025. We want those visitors to stay in the town longer. We want to create a new HelloShepton website, a hub for visitors, attractions, activities, businesses, hospitality and local people too. We will launch HelloShepton within 6 months.
The move from two councils to a new unitary Somerset will be challenging for all of us. Future Shepton is the only group whose focus is wholly on the town. We’re not connected to any national political party. We will stand up for the needs of the people of Shepton to the new Somerset Council and beyond. We have started doing this now.
Our Future Shepton Pledge
- Independence : We keep national politics out of Shepton Mallet Town Council decision-making.
- Transparency: Decisions will be made in an open and understandable manner.
- Action: We will participate in rational debate to reach a conclusion based on facts for the clear benefit of Shepton Mallet.
- Empowerment: Recognise and use the full range of talent available in Shepton Mallet.
- Respect: Understand that everyone has an equal voice and will be listened to.
Your Vote
In the Shepton Mallet Town Council elections each voter gets 8 equal votes. First and foremost, please do register to vote – this is your town and your say really does matter!
By choosing to support Future Shepton you will be electing a councillor who is acting purely in the best interests of Shepton Mallet, neither toeing a national party line nor engaging in national party politics.