The local museum Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum, is aiming to open in later in the summer - but there will be no buffet and they won't let in school groups until 2021.

Museums have been allowed to open since July 4 under government guidelines, but the team at the museum say that after reading and studying relevant guidelines and checklists produced by the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) their plan is for later in the year.

In their newsletter they write: " We would like to begin reopening for a couple of days per week (most likely at weekends) starting sometime in August, leading to a longer reopening in October if all goes well and the virus has not re-emerged in the area. "

The museum will update details on its web site is here: the museum web site

However the trustees add: " We believe that the buffet, because of its small size, cannot reopen safely until all restrictions are lifted but that the shop might reopen after we have experienced how visitors respond to the restrictions on their visits over the summer.

Regrettably it is likely that school visits and our various community cafes will not restart until 2021."

When the last mine in the Somerset Coalfield closed in 1973 local people wanted to recognise the work of the Somerset miners and their contribution to Britain's heritage. The result is the museum, with its collections and purpose built displays, is now housed in the restored Radstock Old Market Hall. They have galleries on two floors covering blacksmithing, coal mining, shoe and boot making, printing and local breweries. In addition at weekends there is a Virtual Reality ride down a coal mine.