News in Glastonbury

Mendip District Council will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on its social media channels this year – and it's urging residents in Glastonbury to join in the virtual commemorations too.

The coronavirus outbreak has restricted traditional community events, however the council is inviting people to post their stories, photos and videos online instead, so they can be shared as we all celebrate together on the Bank Holiday Friday, May 8, 2020.

Glastonbury Coronavirus Support Network works to address the needs of those who are self-isolating, and more than 800 people have been helped already.

A diverse range of dedicated volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are helping the community

Two men have been arrested in Glastonbury this lunchtime (May 3) after the police dispersed an anti-lockdown protest.

The two who have been arrested have been taken into custody, while three further people were given fixed penalty notices, all under coronavirus legislation.

Avon and Somerset Police have warned they will "take enforcement action if necessary" at an expected anti-lockdown protest in Glastonbury today (May 3).

The police say they will be in attendance, but their actions will be "fair and proportionate" at the protest, which is expected to happen around the Market Cross at lunchtime today.

A vehicle was severely damaged in a fire in Glastonbury earlier this morning (May 2).

Just after 4.30am, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Fire Control received a call reporting a fire of an unknown origin in Glastonbury.

Glastonbury is thankfully yet to see a death relating to coronavirus, according to the latest figures released today (May 1).

The figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show, for the first time, deaths at a local level for people who have contracted Covid-19.

Deaths in Mendip surged above usual levels in March, as the coronavirus crisis unfurled in Glastonbury and the surrounding area, official figures show.

Experts have warned the outbreak could continue to have far-reaching consequences on mortality rates across the UK, including among those who do not catch the virus.

A telephone support line has been set up for the people of Glastonbury who need a listening ear during the coronavirus crisis lockdown.

The Sweet Track Counselling Agency CIC, which is based in the town, has set up the temporary phone support service for those who are needing someone to talk with during this difficult time of isolation and uncertainty that the coronavirus presents.

Hundreds more people in Mendip are claiming Universal Credit, figures show, as the effects of the coronavirus shutdown begin to be seen on Glastonbury's economy.

With millions of people out of work across the UK, benefits experts Turn2us said the nation's welfare state is "creaking round the seams" as it urged the Government to remove the five-week wait for claimants' first monthly Universal Credit payment.

Glastonbury Town Council has called for an inquiry into the safety of 5G before it changes its principle of opposing the roll-out of the technology.

Following six months of investigation, the town council has resolved unanimously to adopt the recommendations of its 5G Advisory Committee, which was set up in 2019 to explore the safety of 5G technology.