Sarah Dyke MP has criticised the removal of Hotspot Patrol funding after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton said people were "rightly frustrated" by anti-social behaviour in the town. She said the Government had removed funding for Hotspot Patrols, which she said had made "a real difference locally".

Ms Dyke said she had already called on the Home Office to reinstate the funding. She also said she had asked the Police and Crime Commissioner for more patrols and raised Glastonbury's concerns in Parliament.

The MP said she had brought local agencies together to drive action on the issue. She has now said her next steps will include pushing for stronger anti-social behaviour powers and targeted protection measures.

She also said she would hold a further multi-agency meeting in September, launch a "Listening to Glastonbury" community survey and work with stakeholders on a crime reduction plan.

Ms Dyke said: "Residents are rightly frustrated by anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury – and so am I.

"The Government has removed funding for Hotspot Patrols despite them making a real difference locally. That simply isn't good enough."

She added: "Our community deserves to feel safe. I will continue pressing Ministers, the police and local authorities until Glastonbury gets the support and action it needs."

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The update follows continued local discussion about anti-social behaviour, policing and community safety in Glastonbury. Residents are expected to be asked for their views through the MP's planned survey.

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