Introduction
Some people have lived by the roadside in Glastonbury for many years. The community used to accept and support a small number of them. But over the last six years, the number has grown a lot. Because people often move around, the number changes, but it is mostly going up. The last count showed about 140 people. This is too many for the area to manage, and it is causing less support from the community and more tension.
To fix this complex situation, different organisations will need to work together for a long time. They will need to find and keep solutions that work.
Glastonbury has always welcomed people who move from place to place, and that won’t change. The goal of this group is to lower the number of people living on the roadside to a level that Glastonbury can manage, while still helping those who are there.
Purpose of the group
The purpose of this group is to work together to find and carry out both quick and long-term solutions to the growing number of people camping without permission in Glastonbury.
Some ideas might include:
- Using different and combined types of enforcement
- Making changes to the area so it is less attractive for unauthorised camping
- Looking at land options for a proper site for roadside communities
- Speaking with one clear voice as a group about unauthorised camping in Glastonbury
Expected outcomes of the group
What the Multi-Agency Group (MAG) is expected to do.
- Make a plan together for how different organisations can work as a team to deal with unauthorised camps in Glastonbury, both now and in the future.
- Find and agree on long-term solutions to lower the number of people camping without permission in the area.
- Look at land options where roadside communities could stay—this could be a short-term, temporary, or permanent site in Glastonbury.
- Offer extra help and support to people living by the roadside, so they can get the help they need.
Expectations of those attending
Those attending the group are expected to:
- Keep things private: Don’t share what is talked about in the meetings or smaller group chats.
- Be ready to join in: Come prepared and take part in the discussions.
- Show respect: Be respectful to people living by the roadside and those living in homes in Glastonbury.
- Be ready to decide: Come with the power to agree on actions and plans during the meeting.
- Take responsibility: By joining the group, each organisation agrees to help carry out the actions that are decided.
Who is in the group
The group includes:
- Somerset Council
- Glastonbury Town Council
- Avon and Somerset Police
- Health Outreach Nursing Team
- Lived Experience representative (to be confirmed)
Other organisations and people may join the group later if needed.
Meeting details
- The group will meet every three months.
- If the meeting is held on Microsoft Teams, it will be recorded.