Work is to begin on delivering new cycling and walking infrastructure on a Glastonbury Road which has been the site of unauthorised parking. And new enforcement measures mean unlawful encampments will now become a criminal offence.

 The active travel scheme on Bretenoux Road will be bordered by kerbs on each side and will improve cycling and pedestrian provision in the area, as well as preventing further unauthorised parking.

 It follows the successful delivery of highways works on Stonedown Lane, completed earlier this year, designed to improve road safety and prevent unauthorised parking near the north entrance to the Tor.

 It's anticipated the Bretenoux Road scheme will take 10 weeks to deliver and should be complete by the week commencing 19 December

 In addition to the physical works, new enforcement measures are also set to be introduced, while work to establish permanent and transit sites for travellers is progressing.

On Monday (October 3) Mendip District Council's Cabinet voted unanimously to adopt a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Glastonbury. This is significant as it changes unlawful encampments from a civil matter to a criminal offence.

Mendip councillors supported the introduction of a PSPO firstly to act as a deterrent, and secondly to provide a proactive enforcement measure to help secure a more sustainable level of roadside/van dweller numbers. A six-week public consultation was also carried out in February 2022 as part of the process.

Implementation of the enforcement measures will take some months, to allow for the drafting of processes, signage to be installed, and staff provision put in place.

The adoption of a PSPO is part of the Glastonbury Multi-Agency Group (MAG) strategy to use a range of measures to discourage anti-social behaviour and environmental damage in the town. The strategy also includes ongoing consideration of potential site options designated for the roadside community to use.

 Cllr Liz Leyshon, Mendip District Council's Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Projects and Somerset County Council's Deputy Leader said: "We know Glastonbury is a very special place and has drawn visitors and pilgrims for many hundreds of years.

"Somerset County Council and Mendip District Council, together with the police and other partners, want to ensure a balance is regained following the difficult years of the pandemic and lockdowns.

"We are committed to supporting vulnerable people living on the roadside where possible, to providing transit and permanent traveller sites, and to ensuring that businesses and residents are also considered in our future plans.

"We also value the lovely countryside around us, and are delighted to be able to increase the amount of space for safe walking and cycling in Bretenoux Road, joining up with an existing cycle route across to the nearby villages.

"The Town Investment Plan, with Government funding, has created one-off opportunities that can bring in other partners and funding, and we will continue working together to ensure everyone living, visiting and working in Glastonbury has the best possible life experience here - whether that's for a day, a week or a lifetime."

 The MAG partnership was formed in 2020, during the pandemic in response to issues facing both local residents and the travelling community following an increase in unauthorised encampments in the area. It features representatives from the County, District and Town Councils, and Avon and Somerset Police.

 Other ongoing works being pursued by the Glastonbury MAG, in consultation with residents and the travelling community, include:

• Proposals to establish permanent and transit traveller sites: Mendip District officers are progressing this work through the Town Deal and we hope to see a planning application in the next few months.
• Somerset County Council officers are looking at options for Kennard Moor Drove.
• We recognise many of those living in unauthorised encampments are vulnerable and in need of support. Mendip DC has employed specific housing officers and other professionals to ensure people with local connections can be supported with housing.
• Monitoring of vehicles and enforcement measures are ongoing at sites across Glastonbury and will continue to be actioned as quickly as possible.

There's a dedicated webpage which hosts a FAQs sheet along with all the updates issued so far here: Glastonbury Unauthorised Encampments (somerset.gov.uk)

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