Glastonbury Town Council has officially taken back control of the town's historic weekly charter market.

At a recent meeting, councillors unanimously passed a formal resolution under the Food Act 1984 to oversee the market's operation. The decision follows advice from the National Association of British Markets and Somerset Council, which recommended a formal move to secure the market's long-term future.

Alongside taking control, the council also adjusted market fees after discovering that the pitch charges set by Somerset Council had not been properly applied. Councillors had originally set a £25 weekly pitch fee, but it emerged that traders had been paying closer to £24 under the previous system.

Given that the council will no longer provide gazebos, the fee has been reduced to £20 per week, with a 20% seasonal discount applied in January and February.

While concerns were raised about the removal of gazebos, councillors were reassured that market traders had been consulted and were largely supportive of the change. An open meeting with stallholders has been scheduled to ensure a smooth transition.

The move brings the charter market—granted in 1189—back under local control for the first time in centuries, a step councillors say will help preserve and strengthen this key part of Glastonbury's identity.