I just thought that I would give my opinion.

As most of you know, I am a town and Somerset councillor for Glastonbury.

Well, this is my take on the anti-social behaviour that appears to be rampant in our town.

We have had problems for many years, but it appears to have increased hugely in the last few years — obviously fuelled by cheap alcohol, and again obviously drugs. Not talking cannabis, but the far more deadly chemical and other drugs that rot the brain — probably why these people are called crackheads, a particularly nasty drug. They are destined to lead short, unproductive lives unless they get real help to quit their addictions.

But all this is no excuse for anti-social behaviour. We all have choices in life, and occasionally make a wrong turn, but find a way back onto the straight and narrow.

Some of the people on our High Street and surrounding area simply appear to be on a downward spiral in their lives. That's their choice — but don't make it a problem for everyone else.

They should not be drinking in our High Street, should not be doing drugs anywhere, and they should certainly not be in our High Street under the influence of alcohol and drugs — and to be honest, smelling to high heaven.

What sort of impression does this give to the children and young people of our town? It is certainly not a good impression, and if they succeed in luring one of our young people into their shady way of life, in my opinion that would be one too many.

It is also a real horror show for visitors to our town. I have visited many towns here and abroad and do not recall seeing any anti-social behaviour of this type in any tourist or other location.

Our High Street depends on tourists for their livelihoods and should be supported as best we can — it is our lifeblood.

We also have to tolerate some plain awful buskers, but we also have some very talented buskers. Support the good ones but move on the bad ones.

I feel extremely sorry for people running businesses, especially around the Market Cross, where we appear to attract some plainly awful buskers who are oblivious to the needs of others.

Then we come to the churchyard. The gates have had to be closed because of the anti-social behaviour and general disrespect to the people buried in the churchyard, and also to the church volunteers and others.

This is just not acceptable behaviour however you look at things.

In my opinion, the only way forward is for a complete zero tolerance to all the above — and I would include failing to deal with dog mess and littering the High Street.

We can provide more bins if needed.

So in conclusion, in my opinion we have to work out enforcement. Well, if police are not up for the job, should the Town Council install more CCTV? I believe that you can obtain CCTV cameras where you can speak to people.

Or should we employ private security to patrol the High Street?

I am open to hearing any legal ideas for enforcement.

Lots of you have complained about anti-social behaviour — well, here's your chance to get someone who has an interest to listen to your ideas and take them forward on your behalf.

Cllr Nick Cottle

Town and Somerset Councillor for Glastonbury.