A total of 217 caravans have been counted in Glastonbury, councillors have confirmed, as calls grow for clearer data and fairer action amid mounting concern over enforcement and lack of support.

The figure was revealed at a Glastonbury Town Council meeting, where County councillor Ewan Cameron said he and Somerset Council officers carried out the count across the town.

"What we've got at the moment is 217 caravans currently identified," he said. He added the trend has not been steadily rising, calling the pattern "zigzaggy" — with numbers going up and down year by year.

Cameron warned the issue wasn't black and white. "It's not as clear-cut as abandoned," he told the meeting. "Some of those vehicles, which many of us around the table might consider unused, are being used as shelter nonetheless."

Councillors heard that none of the caravans were classed as empty. Where a vehicle is suspected to be abandoned, Somerset Council's environmental crime team assesses the case. Stickers are placed on the vehicle, and owners are given two weeks to act before removal.

Cameron confirmed enforcement has taken place recently. "We have done all three over the last two months," he said. "Two further ones only in the last 48 hours were reported as abandoned."

But frustration also surfaced over delays to a proposed temporary Traveller site, after a Somerset Council officer left before Christmas without passing on legal work. Without provision, councillors warned people are simply moved on in a cycle that helps no one.

"It's a stopgap thing," said Cameron. "Then they kick again."

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The council agreed firmer figures and clearer answers from Somerset Council are urgently needed to move forward.

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