The medieval village trying to survive a modern day pandemic

WATCH: ITV West Country reporter Max Walsh on recovering from the pandemic in a small Somerset village

In its 1000 year history Dunster, in Somerset, has survived civil wars, revolts and the plague - but could the coronavirus crisis be one of the biggest challenges it has had to overcome?

The majority of residents are now reliant on tourism for their income.

This week many of them have come together to help decorate the high street with hundreds of metres of bunting, as well as putting up signs reminding people to socially distance.

People living in Dunster have been preparing for the return of visitors. Credit: ITV West Country

Sally Harding has just reopened her women's clothing shop. It is a business which normally relies on the passing tourism trade and she said there simply haven't been enough visitors.

On the other side of the village - Paula and Phil Herron. They moved to Dunster 18 months ago with dreams of running their own B&B.

This summer was supposed to be their first full season after spending thousands of pounds renovating their cottage.

There is a fear that visitors will be too worried about coronavirus to come out and support local businesses. Credit: ITV West Country

The vast majority of visitors are over the age of 60 and with concerns about the virus spreading, there are fears many will not return.

Two miles away is Minehead - where most of the steam engines are kept for the West Somerset Railway.

Normally at this time of year hundreds of people would be boarding its trains every day. Now the team is busy getting everything ready for the line's partial reopening on 25 July, although Dunster Station will remain closed.

For the residents of Dunster there is hope the medieval high street and its attractions will soon draw back the crowds.

But the question is - will they all feel safe to do so?

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