PCC Clare Moody, MP Sarah Dyke and police Sgt Simon Lancey in Glastonbury

Glastonbury: Meeting discusses next steps in battle against anti-social behaviour

Paul JonesJuly 26, 20250 Comment0

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in Glastonbury – and the impact on residents and businesses – was the topic of a meeting in the town last week.

Earlier this month, MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) gathered dozens of business representatives to discuss recent problems, which she branded a “devastating crimewave” in the Commons.

The business roundtable saw leaders discuss anti-social behaviour in the town, possible solutions and next steps as a community.

More than 30 business owners town attended, alongside Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, and local Sergeant, Simon Lancey.

Members of Glastonbury Town Council and Chamber of Commerce were also present.

After the meeting, Ms Dyke said: “I am delighted that so many of our brilliant businesses took the time on a very warm Friday night to come and share their experiences, ideas and many proactive solutions to this issue.

“Glastonbury is a wonderful place to live, and has a fantastic and completely unique tourism offering, including iconic landmarks, one-of-a-kind festivals and a delightful and thriving town centre, with fantastic shops, restaurants, and pubs.

“While a small number of people have been causing issues in the town centre, it doesn’t diminish the wonderful destination that Glastonbury presents, and I’m very optimistic solutions going into force over the next months will have a very visible effect.

“I have already written to Somerset Council to push them to reinstate a Public Space Protection Order, and there were several additional takeaways from this meeting I will be taking urgent action on, which will have a tangible impact on the issue.

“Overall, the consensus was clear: we as a community can tackle this issue with compassion, strength and collaboration.

“The issues we face are the result of years of under investment and stripping away of public services, but they are solvable. And it is achievable that everyone in Glastonbury can feel safe and secure in their businesses’ future.”

PCC Moody spokes of new police strategies, including the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee – which will see more officers deployed to Glastonbury – and new hotspot patrols already in place.

Sgt Lancey shared information on the community policing team, including news of nine new bobbies on the beat assigned to Glastonbury.

Earlier in the day, the MP also met with Inspector Rachel Clark, who shared further insights on the picture in Glastonbury.

MP Sarah Dyke with PCC Clare Moody

Ms Dyke recognised the importance of embracing a holistic approach; recognising the role of drug and alcohol abuse, addressing mental health and housing issues and supporting charities which assist those who are vulnerable.

And she vowed to continue bringing people together to “work collaboratively on positive, long-lasting solutions”.

The move comes after a spate of incidents in Glastonbury town centre, including claims St John’s churchyard was being used for drug dealing, as well a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.