Residents are being invited to take part in a public consultation designed to help address the difficulties that arise from the volume of van dwellers on public roads within Glastonbury and neighbouring areas.

Mendip District Council is considering the adoption of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) as part of a planned approach to reduce the risk of public nuisance, which continues to cause community tensions in the town.

The introduction of a PSPO would assist the better management of the number of unauthorised encampments and help to restrict or prevent the adverse effects that may be created by the occupations.

Glastonbury is a draw for vehicle dwellers with a disproportionately high number compared to the size of the town. Recent surveys have shown that at its peak in December 2021, close to 200 lived-in vehicles were situated in the rural town which has a population fewer than 9,000 people.

The Council wants to restore balance to the area to regain and maintain a sustainable level, and so reduce the impact on local communities, businesses and tourism.

Details of what the proposed PSPO involves, together with the reasons behind why Mendip District Council is considering adopting the order, and a map of the geographical area affected, can be found on our website: www.mendip.gov.uk/pspo.

All comments must be returned by 20th March 2022 which is the final date of the public consultation.

The PSPO is just one of a number of ongoing initiatives in and around Glastonbury delivering schemes to help prevent unauthorised encampments and parking at Glastonbury locations.

A Glastonbury Unauthorised Encampment Multi-Agency Group (MAG) was formed last year to work with communities to explore and agree long-term, sustainable solutions. Membership includes representatives from Avon & Somerset Police, Somerset County Council, Glastonbury Town Council, Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner and Mendip District Council.

The MAG has supported new double-yellow lining on Wellhouse Lane, and enforcement being employed on key sites in the town to remove vehicles from the road. This was carried out last month at Morlands Enterprise Park. Permanent infrastructure proposals to prevent unauthorised encampments and parking are also being explored at Bretenoux Road.

And at Stone Down Lane, work is taking place this week (w/c 28th February, 2022) to prevent vehicles from parking unsafely on the roadside and create new disabled parking bays for blue badge holders. Bunds of earth and boulders are being placed along a section of the road. During the works there's no access to Stone Down Lane, and access to the Tor is only possible from the south side during the works. A signed diversion is in place.

If you have questions regarding the MAG, please contact [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224.

And remember to visit Mendip District Council's website to take part in the PSPO consultation, which ends March 20.