Glastonbury Town Council is urging Somerset Council to reinstate alcohol-control powers in the town centre, following growing concerns about street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

At the council's September meeting, members backed writing again to Somerset to request a clear timeline for restoring an alcohol-control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Councillors said a visible rise in daytime drinking, public disorder, and resident unease had highlighted the need for action.

Cllr Terry Napper described the mood in the marketplace as increasingly tense. "People are feeling very, very uneasy. I hope we can get more police—or at least have them walking the streets," he said. "It's not a no-go area, but it's an uneasy area."

Cllr Serena Osborne noted the difference in police presence during a recent high-profile visit, saying: "There were loads [of officers] the other day… I've never seen so many of Avon and Somerset's finest in one place."

The council previously had a PSPO that gave police powers to ask people to surrender alcohol in designated areas. However, the order lapsed when Somerset moved to a county-wide version that does not include alcohol controls.

Councillors clarified that reinstating the PSPO would not amount to a drinking ban, but would give officers greater flexibility to manage public spaces and tackle disorder.

MP Sarah Dyke has also supported the move, warning that some residents - particularly older people - have felt intimidated. She said bringing back the PSPO "would have the greatest immediate impact" and has written to Somerset Council urging it to prioritise the issue.

The town clerk advised councillors to continue logging incidents to help build the evidence base for reinstatement. The council may also explore additional local measures, including a potential restriction on early off-licence sales, if problems persist.

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