News in Glastonbury

The Conservative Party candidate has won the Glastonbury Town Council election for the St Benedict's Ward in a close battle with the Green Party candidate.

The Tory candidate Clive Robert Bishop took the seat by getting 278 votes, just ahead of the Green Party's Harry Joseph Wood, who received 224 votes.

Somerset councils will no longer have to provide unauthorised traveller encampments with water or sanitation after May 17.

Since the first national lockdown, Somerset's local authorities have been bound by law to provide basic amenities on unauthorised sites, in order to prevent the coronavirus from being spread through unnecessary travel.

Pupils from Millfield Prep and Pre-Prep in Edgarley were treated to a Star Wars-themed lunch to honour May the 4th, or Star Wars Day.

The children enjoyed Star Wars delicacies such as Sith Salad, Porg Eggs, Gungan Stew and Chewbroccoli.

A Glastonbury resident has urged Somerset County Council to take action to stop the land around the Tor being "brutalised" by people living in "£60,000 caravans".

Joey Barrington lives near a footpath which allows residents and tourists to approach the Tor from the northern side.

Somerset residents will get a vote on the future of their local government – though it will not be legally binding.

Two rivalling proposals for the future of local government in Somerset are currently being assessed by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), with a decision due in the summer.

The Mayor of Glastonbury has praised the efforts of the town's community during the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking after the annual Glastonbury town meeting on Tuesday (May 4), Cllr Jon Cousins said he had been impressed by how the community had come together in these difficult times.

Plans for a 37-home housing development and cafe to be built in Butleigh have been withdrawn - though it is likely they will be resubmitted at a later date.

A planning application for the development of 37 dwellinghouses (C3) and a cafe/work hub (E) with associated access, parking and landscaping on land at Baltonsborough Road, Butleigh, had been submitted to Mendip District Council by Galion Homes Ltd.

CPRE Somerset, the countryside charity, is launching its 2021 photography competition.

The theme this year is "My Somerset - at work, rest and play".

Firefighters from Glastonbury helped free two casualties who were trapped following a two-vehicle crash on the A361 near Greinton yesterday evening (May 4).

Just after 6pm, fire crews from Bridgwater, Street and Glastonbury were sent to a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A361 between Greinton and Greylake.

This Thursday (May 6) we will be going to the polls to vote for a new police and crime commissioner for the Avon and Somerset force area.

Here are profiles of the five candidates, in alphabetical order by surname.