A Glastonbury churchyard that was shut last month over spiralling safety concerns has now reopened to the public — as church leaders call for calm and renewed support from local authorities.

St John's Church, which sits on Glastonbury High Street, made headlines in April when it took the drastic step of closing its gates and suspending most activities after a rise in antisocial behaviour and public disorder in the town centre.

The closure came just days after a nearby school was forced into lockdown when police were called to reports of a man with a weapon near the library. Officers flooded the scene but found no trace of the individual. Schools and nurseries in the area were left shaken, and residents called for urgent action.

From 1 May, the church halted all activities apart from Sunday services and funerals, saying the move was necessary to protect its congregation, staff and visitors.

Now, 30 days on, the gates are open once more — but the church is treading carefully.

"We're pleased to be able to reopen the churchyard and begin welcoming people back into the space," the Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council said in a statement.

"While challenges remain, we are cautiously optimistic that the situation has improved."

The church had hoped the temporary shutdown would serve as a reset, giving police and other agencies time to reassess how the area is being managed. It's still unclear what long-term changes — if any — will follow.

Police have remained a visible presence in the town centre in recent weeks, urging the public to stay vigilant and continue reporting any suspicious behaviour.

With the churchyard now back open, attention turns to how authorities will respond to ongoing concerns about safety in the town centre.