Glastonbury Town Council has published the results of its 2024 Community Review, a comprehensive survey that gathered feedback from residents and visitors on the town's most pressing issues, priorities, and aspirations.

The review, developed in partnership with the Community Council for Somerset (CCS), ran for the first nine months of 2024 and received detailed responses from around 500 people.

The survey results will provide valuable data for local organisations, helping to support funding bids, fundraising campaigns, and future town planning. Town councillors have welcomed the findings as a vital snapshot of community concerns and priorities, shaping the focus of future projects and investment in Glastonbury.

Listening to the community

To ensure the survey addressed the most relevant topics, a panel of town councillors and local residents identified key areas of interest. These included:

• Housing
• Traffic & Transport
• Health & Wellbeing
• Community Safety
• Heritage & Culture
• Tourism

The survey was promoted through local organisations, social media, posters around town, and face-to-face engagement at Glastonbury Market. As an incentive, participants were entered into a free prize draw to win one of 300 annual passes to the Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Key findings

Community & Safety

Residents expressed a strong appreciation for Glastonbury's rich history, countryside, and community spirit, with many choosing to live in the town for its heritage, nature, and close-knit feel.

However, the survey also highlighted concerns about anti-social behaviour, drug use, and homelessness, with many respondents wanting a greater focus on safety and support for vulnerable people.

Housing

Around one in four respondents said their current housing was unsuitable, with concerns over affordability, availability, and poor housing conditions. Many supported the development of more affordable housing, particularly one and two-bedroom homes and low-cost starter homes.

While some respondents backed alternative community housing schemes, there was less support for increasing tourist accommodation. Many called for stricter limits on properties used for holiday lets.

Traffic & Transport

Road conditions were a major issue for many respondents, along with access to bus routes and train links. There was strong support for:

• A bus link to Castle Cary railway station
• Reducing freight traffic on the A361
• More parking for events
• Better footpaths and pavements

Several respondents also suggested partial or full pedestrianisation of the High Street to improve road safety.

Young People & Activities

A lack of facilities and activities for young people was another key concern. Many respondents believed that if provided, young people would use:

• A cinema/theatre
• A woodland adventure area
• Indoor/outdoor meeting spaces
• Sports and arts facilities

However, cost, peer pressure, and lack of information were identified as barriers preventing young people from taking part in activities.

Health & Wellbeing

While most respondents rated their physical and mental health as good, a significant number struggled to access health services and support.

The biggest concerns included:

• Access to GPs, NHS dentists, and pharmacies
• Affordable transport to medical appointments
• Better community support and activities to reduce isolation

There was strong interest in improving online information and having more community noticeboards to make it easier for residents to find local services.

What happens next?

The findings of the Community Review will now be used to develop an action and funding plan, ensuring that the most pressing issues raised by residents are addressed. Glastonbury Town Council has committed to overseeing these actions and reviewing progress regularly. Updates will be included in the Council's annual report to ensure transparency and accountability.

Town Councillor Lokabandhu, Mayor of Glastonbury 2024-2025, said: "We are delighted to have received such detailed feedback from so many residents. This survey gives us a clear understanding of what matters most to the people of Glastonbury and what they would like to see improved in the town. We are also pleased to make this data available to local groups seeking funding for projects that will benefit our community."

The full 2024 Glastonbury Community Review report is now available, and local organisations are encouraged to use the data to support funding applications and community initiatives.