A proposal to create a Glastonbury-themed Monopoly board has sparked mixed reactions among town councillors, with calls for public consultation amid concerns over financial risk and cultural sensitivity.

Winning Moves, the official licence-holder for bespoke Monopoly boards, approached Glastonbury Town Council with an offer to design a version celebrating the town's unique identity. The company, which has produced editions for cities and landmarks across the UK, argued that Glastonbury's rich cultural and spiritual heritage made it an ideal candidate.

However, the proposal comes with a significant financial commitment. Councillors were told the council would need to purchase 1,500 boards at wholesale price, with the aim of recovering costs through retail sales at local outlets, including the information centre.

Town clerk Conor Ogilvie-Davidson explained: "This would be an official Monopoly board for Glastonbury. The company estimates that 1,500 units would need to be purchased initially, with the potential to recover costs through sales."

The idea was met with scepticism, with councillors raising concerns about the project's financial viability and potential backlash from residents.

Cllr Zoe Price was particularly critical, warning that the move could be seen as "commercialisation" or even a "desecration of Glastonbury's spirituality." She urged the council to tread carefully, adding: "This town values its identity. We cannot afford to ignore how residents might feel about something like this."

Cllr Indra Donfrancesco reinforced the need for consultation, recalling local frustrations over previous projects that lacked public input. "We've seen humongous backlash before when decisions were made without engaging the community," she said. "We need to learn lessons here. Residents have valid concerns about commodification and tourism, and we should not dismiss that."

Financial risks were also a major sticking point. Cllr Rik Cook questioned whether the council could realistically sell 1,500 units to avoid losses. "We need to be certain this won't leave us out of pocket," he said.

Cllr Paul Manning challenged the cultural fit of the project, pointing to the irony of a capitalist-themed game in a town known for its alternative values. "Monopoly is centred around capitalism. Does that reflect what Glastonbury stands for?" he asked, half-jokingly suggesting a "Glastonbury Festival Monopoly" might make more sense.

The general mood in the chamber was one of caution. Cllr Lili Osborne said the council should not "jump the gun" without gauging public opinion, particularly given growing concerns about the town's increasing commercialisation.

Cllr Terry Napper went further, urging the council to abandon the proposal outright. "We should kill it now rather than risk stirring up more controversy," he said.

Ultimately, councillors voted to defer the decision, agreeing to revisit it only if further informal discussions with residents demonstrated significant support.

If the project were to proceed, the board would likely feature iconic Glastonbury landmarks, from the Tor to the Abbey, alongside local businesses and attractions.