A Glastonbury church is appealing for volunteers as it looks to reclaim its building and grounds from ongoing anti-social behaviour.

St John's has been closed for most of the past year except for services and events.

Now Rev Alice Watson, Vicar of St John's and St Ben's, says she wants to reopen the church on more days than it is shut — but says it will require community support.

The move comes amid continued problems in the churchyard and porch, including drinking and drug taking. Rev Watson said the behaviour "remains a problem" and is "not ok" in what she described as holy ground.

She hopes that reopening the doors more consistently will help restore the church as a place of prayer, pilgrimage and quiet reflection for residents, visitors and tourists.

To make that happen, volunteers are being sought to sit inside the church and welcome people in. They do not need to be church-goers or follow a particular faith, but must be committed to helping ensure St John's — including the porch and churchyard — is a welcoming space for all.

If enough volunteers come forward, the church would open:

• Monday – Community Café with Glastonbury Mental Health Network
• Thursday – Lunchtime concert, remaining open afterwards
• Friday – Coffee morning and afternoon opening
• Saturday – Afternoon opening
• Sunday – Morning worship and afternoon opening

Reopening would mark the first step in a wider plan for the churchyard, which could include CCTV and the creation of more of a garden space. No timeline has been confirmed for those measures.

advertisement

Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the church directly.

• Street homes plan revived for back gardens on Orchard Road

• MP Sarah Dyke hosts flooding minister on Somerset visit

• Glastonbury farm shop gets green light for more parking

Sign up to your nearest Nub News newsletter, Shepton Mallet or Glastonbury — Get the top stories from across the area every Friday.