Drone footage captured by YouTuber Justmadnessboy has provided a unique perspective of a traveller site near the former Morlands factory in Glastonbury, as Somerset Council continues its efforts to find long-term solutions for gypsy and traveller accommodation in the area. The footage can be viewed on his YouTube channel here.

The video shows the layout of the site, home to families and individuals who live a non-bricks and mortar lifestyle. The area has been a topic of ongoing discussions in the town, balancing respect for the traveller community with local concerns about infrastructure and planning. Glastonbury has long been a destination for the traveller community, drawn by its history of inclusivity and spiritual significance. For some, the town offers a sense of belonging and connection to a way of life that values mobility and community.

However, many in the travelling community have faced incidents of abuse, arson, and vandalism to their property, including caravans parked on Roman Way. At the same time, some local residents have expressed concerns about strain on local infrastructure, environmental impacts, and challenges related to unauthorised encampments. Residents near proposed sites have cited worries about increased traffic, waste management, and antisocial behaviour.

Plans to create a dedicated traveller site at Porchestall Drove, funded as part of the £23.6m Glastonbury Town Deal, were abandoned earlier this year after the land was deemed unsuitable due to repeated flooding. The site would have included 21 transit pitches and 19 permanent pitches, providing much-needed facilities for the traveller community.

Somerset Council is now working on a new county-wide traveller accommodation strategy, expected to be published by the end of the year. This will outline plans for both permanent and transit sites, aiming to meet the short- and long-term needs of the traveller community while addressing local concerns.

For many travellers, Glastonbury represents more than a place to stay – it's a cultural hub and a symbol of acceptance. However, balancing the needs of the traveller community with local infrastructure and planning remains a challenge.

Efforts to manage unauthorised encampments in the town have included a public space protection order (PSPO) introduced in 2022, as well as physical measures like barriers on Stone Down Lane and double-yellow lines on Wellhouse Lane.

The council's strategy is expected to come before its executive committee later this year, with hopes of identifying sustainable solutions that support the traveller community while addressing the concerns of local residents.