July brought movement on major projects, debate over roadside parking, community fundraisers and the closure of a 103-year-old Street institution.

July was a month of change across Glastonbury and Street, with the first stage of a long-running regeneration project opening, a new rail-link bus confirmed and Street saying goodbye to the Unity Club after more than a century.

There were serious house fires in both towns, followed in Glastonbury by a community fundraiser. Parking, transport and access to local services remained among the month's most discussed issues.

Council, planning and regeneration

The first completed section of the Baily's Buildings redevelopment opened in Glastonbury, marking a milestone in the work to bring the former industrial site back into community use.

The opening was celebrated by the organisations, volunteers and supporters involved in the project.

Read more: Glastonbury regeneration project opens first stage

Residents were invited to help shape Glastonbury's emerging neighbourhood plan, which will influence future decisions on development, transport, the environment and community facilities.

Read more: Glastonbury residents invited to neighbourhood plan drop-in

Claims that town-centre car parks could be earmarked for housing also prompted concern online. Nub News examined what was under discussion and what had — and had not — been formally proposed.

Read more: Glastonbury car park housing claims spark online fears

Parking and transport

Roadside parking by vans and caravans remained one of Glastonbury's most debated local issues.

Glastonbury Town Council said the town needed a response which went beyond enforcement, with councillors calling for councils, support services and other organisations to work together.

Read more: Glastonbury caravan response looks beyond enforcement

Later in the month, Somerset Council opened consultation on proposed parking and waiting restrictions covering Beckery Road, Beckery New Road, Morland Road, Wells Road, The Roman Way, Tor View Avenue and Hill Head. Several are well-known locally as regular stopping points for vans and caravans.

Read more: Glastonbury van parking hotspots face new restrictions

A long-awaited bus connection between Glastonbury, Street and Castle Cary railway station was confirmed, although its route immediately drew criticism.

The new 567 will run seven days a week alongside the existing 667 service, but campaigners said it does not follow the route local communities had supported.

Read more: Glastonbury rail link bus comes with route row

Street residents were also warned that the High Street will close between Wilfrid Road and Glaston Road for two days in August, affecting through traffic and placing additional pressure on surrounding roads.

Read more: Street High Street closure to disrupt traffic

Emergency services and crime

A home in Compton Close, Glastonbury, was seriously damaged when fire tore through the semi-detached property on Wednesday, 8 July.

Crews from across Somerset attended and the family escaped safely. A fundraiser was subsequently launched to help them replace belongings and recover from the fire.

Read more: Fire leaves Glastonbury home seriously damaged

Read more: Glastonbury community fundraiser launched after house fire

In Street, two people were taken to hospital following a fire at a home on Glaston Road. Four crews attended the incident, with firefighters using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to tackle the blaze.

Read more: Street house fire leaves two people in hospital

Police urged Glastonbury traders to report every shoplifting incident, even when goods were recovered or the value involved appeared low. Officers said complete reporting was needed to identify patterns and repeat offenders.

Read more: Glastonbury traders urged to report every theft

Street Fire Station also opened its doors to the public, offering demonstrations and a chance for families to meet the crews based at Cranhill Road.

Read more: Street Fire Station open day on Cranhill Road

Business and community

Street said goodbye to one of its long-standing institutions as the Unity Club closed permanently after 103 years.

The Leigh Road members' club shut on Wednesday, 1 July, after members were told that rising costs, falling income and fewer bookings had made it financially unviable.

Read more: Street Unity Club says goodbye after 103 years

Street Parish Council opened its latest round of community grants, inviting local voluntary groups, charities and community projects to apply for support.

Read more: Street community grants open as groups urged to apply

Street Clarks Village Club began looking for a new treasurer to help secure its future.

Read more: Street Clarks club seeks treasurer with community spirit

In Glastonbury, a volunteer-led clean-up at the Red Brick Building was raised in Parliament after supporters had to raise £1,500 to remove dumped waste. MP Sarah Dyke used the case to call for stronger action against waste crime.

Read more: Glastonbury fly-tip clean-up sparks MP's waste crime call

Health, education and families

The latest GP Patient Survey showed local surgeries receiving strong marks for care during appointments, but a more mixed picture when it came to making contact and securing access.

Vine Surgery Partnership in Street recorded particularly strong results for patients' confidence in healthcare professionals and involvement in decisions about their care.

Read more: GP patients rate local surgeries as access gap exposed

Children and families from Blossom & Thrive marked the organisation's first academic year with a pool party at Greenbank Pool.

The initiative supports home-educated children, young people with special educational needs and those needing additional help with their emotional wellbeing.

Read more: Pool party marks milestone year for Blossom & Thrive

The Loft's SEND supper club offered families a more relaxed place to eat out, with the setting adapted for children who may find conventional restaurant visits difficult.

Read more: Last spaces left for Street SEND supper club

What's on

Glastonbury Pride returned at the end of the month with a procession through the town, entertainment and community events.

Read more: Glastonbury Pride 2026: everything you need to know

Plans were announced for an expanded Night at the Abbey, while Children's World brought circus, workshops, music and family activities to Paddington Farm.

Read more: Glastonbury Abbey night grows into full-scale mini-festival

Read more: Glastonbury family festival brings circus to farm

In Street, The Loft's July programme included a pirate ball, an Ibiza-themed evening and a supernatural event.

Read more: Street pirate ball brings shanty chaos to The Loft

Read more: Street Ibiza chill out night brings burgers and bangers

Looking ahead to August

The new 567 bus to Castle Cary station is due to begin on Sunday, 3 August, putting the disputed route to its first practical test.

Street High Street will close for two days during the month, while residents in Glastonbury will be watching for the next steps on the proposed parking restrictions and neighbourhood plan.

The school holidays will also bring a continuing programme of events at Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset Rural Life Museum, Greenbank Pool and venues across both towns.