Glastonbury Town Council has adopted a new Community Action Plan after a major town-wide survey revealed urgent concerns about housing, public safety, youth facilities and the state of local services.

The 2024 Glastonbury Community Review, developed with the Community Council for Somerset (CCS), captured feedback from nearly 500 residents and visitors over nine months — making it one of the town's most detailed community consultations in recent years.

From listening to action

The review is part of a wider push to put community voices at the heart of local decision-making. The findings now directly inform the newly adopted Community Action Plan, which will guide council priorities and help local groups secure funding to deliver change.

Key priorities identified include:

• Safety & community support: Strong calls for a town that feels safe and welcoming for all
• Housing: High demand for affordable 1–2 bed homes, eco-friendly builds, and protections against Airbnb and overdevelopment
• Health & transport: Barriers include poor public transport, road conditions and a lack of reliable NHS access
• Youth services: A cinema, adventure play areas and better club access for teens ranked high among suggested improvements
• Environment: Residents want more tree planting, improved footpaths, wildlife corridors and eco incentives
• Tourism: Most back Glastonbury's events and heritage, but want action on parking and overcrowding

Street scene and safety a major concern

Respondents repeatedly cited anti-social behaviour, drug use and street drinking around the High Street and St John's Church. Many say they avoid the town centre because of intimidation and public disorder.

There were also dozens of complaints about vans and caravans parked on roads and verges, with calls for proper managed sites or enforcement.

Action plan priorities

The Town Council says it will now focus on achievable goals across housing, youth engagement, green space, transport, and local communications—working with charities, businesses and other partners to deliver improvements.

The full report is available via the Town Council website.

More local stories:

• Reform closes gap in Street and Glastonbury as Lib Dems hold lead in new election poll

• Glastonbury ambulance crews 'stretched to the limit', warns MP after frontline shift

Sign up to our free local newsletter — Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.