Glastonbury's MP has called on the Prime Minister to step in and help tackle a surge in anti-social behaviour that's left elderly residents afraid to collect their pensions and forced churches to close.

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for the town, used Prime Minister's Questions this week to demand extra resources for Avon and Somerset Police, warning that the rise in threatening and abusive behaviour is "a terrible blight on the town centre."

She said older people in particular have reported being intimidated and threatened — even while trying to withdraw cash — and urged the Government to stop "slashing police numbers" and give Glastonbury the support it needs.

The next day, Ms Dyke visited the town to speak directly with residents, retailers and local leaders. She met Inspector Rachel Clark of Avon and Somerset Police and David Smith, church warden at St John's, which recently reopened after being forced to shut its doors due to persistent anti-social behaviour around the site.

Now, Ms Dyke is backing calls for the immediate reinstatement of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to give police and local authorities greater powers to move people on and prevent repeat offences in the town centre.

"It is deeply concerning to see the extent of anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury and the very real distress it is causing to residents," she said. "No one should have to live in fear or feel unsafe or vulnerable because of menacing and threatening behaviour. Urgent action must be taken.

"After spending the day in Glastonbury and speaking with residents, town centre retailers, councillors and police, it's clear that reinstating the PSPO would have the greatest immediate impact. I've now written to Somerset Council urging them to take this forward as a priority."

Glastonbury has seen a rise in disruptive and sometimes threatening behaviour in recent months, with residents reporting abuse in public spaces, damage to property, and increasing concerns over safety near key landmarks.

Ms Dyke acknowledged that local officers are "working as hard as possible" but said they're overstretched, blaming "14 years of the Conservative Government slashing police numbers."

She welcomed news that extra hotspot patrols and more officers are expected in the coming weeks, but warned the Government must deliver on promises to fund community policing properly.

"I will continue to put pressure on the Government to make good on its promises. I'm also encouraging Glastonbury residents to report all incidents, however small — the more data that's recorded, the more resources we can get."

The Liberal Democrats have this week also called on the Government to rule out any further cuts to frontline policing in the upcoming Spending Review, echoing warnings from senior police officers about the risks of underfunding.

Somerset Council is now considering whether to move forward with the PSPO request. In the meantime, residents are being urged to stay vigilant and report incidents via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.