Unauthorised encampments in Glastonbury – finding a solution
Earlier this year a Glastonbury Unauthorised Encampment Multi-Agency Group (MAG) was created to explore and agree long-term solutions to the issue of increased unauthorised encampments in Glastonbury.
The multi-agency group will work together to:
- Take civil enforcement action in relation to those who continue living in unauthorised encampments in and around the town.
- Identify and explore options to prevent further unauthorised encampments in the town.
- Identify options for a temporary, transit, meanwhile or permanent site in Glastonbury.
The MAG wishes to express its thanks to the community for their understanding while the group continues its work.
Multi-agency group members
The group’s membership includes representatives from Avon & Somerset Police, Somerset County Council, Glastonbury Town Council, Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner and Mendip District Council.
Background
A number of vehicle owners have been setting up unauthorised encampments along residential roads and other areas in and around Glastonbury. During the Covid pandemic these numbers increased significantly with more than 300 vehicles in place at one stage.
What is being done to prevent unauthorised encampments in Glastonbury
The MAG is looking to provide structural solutions to prevent or reduce further unauthorised parking on Bretenoux Road, Stone Down Lane, Kennard Moor Drove, Watchwell Drove, and the Beckery area.
The MAG has secured funding for works in Bretenoux Road, Stone Down Lane and is still looking for a source of funding to support the proposed work on Kennard Moor Drove. The Enabling Project within the Town Deal Fund is being explored to determine if the funding associated to it can be used to deliver solutions at various locations.
Proposed plans have been shared with key stakeholders including Glastonbury Town Council and local residents’ groups and were received positively.
Members of the public and other stakeholders can view the plan on our Small Improvement Schemes – directory page. It would be helpful if residents in the immediate area could email comments or confirm their support of the proposal to the team on ISDelivery@somerset.gov.uk.
Enforcement measures have been carried out at locations in and around Glastonbury with eviction notices and parking enforcement being served on vehicles where necessary.
Identifying permanent sites
The group are working together to identify potential sites for permanent and temporary gypsy and traveller provision in Glastonbury. Due to the amount of land that floods in and around the town this is proving challenging.
Support has been put in place by Mendip District Council to help people living on the roadside who may want to live in housing.
Updates
The MAG sends out regular updates to all stakeholders about developments.
MAG stakeholder update 1 April 2022
Press release 28 February 2022
MAG stakeholder update February 2022
MAG stakeholder update 8 December 2021
MAG stakeholder update 1 October 2021
MAG stakeholder update 9 September 2021
MAG stakeholder update 30 July 2021
MAG stakeholder update 7 July 2021
MAG stakeholder update 30 June 2021
MAG stakeholder update 23 June 2021
MAG stakeholder update 18 June 2021
MAG statement by councillors 30 June 2021
Questions and answers
Here is a list of questions and answers
Contact us
If you have more questions about Glastonbury unauthorised encampments or the MAG, please contact Glastonburyencampments@somerset.gov.uk or phone 0300 123 2224.