The former Papa Johns, in Market Place, is now boarded up after squatters were evicted

Crime Glastonbury & Street News News Property

Glastonbury squat at former pizza shop cleared and premises boarded up

Paul JonesOctober 31, 20250 Comment0

A FORMER pizza store in Glastonbury that had become an unauthorised squat has been cleared after an eviction notice was served.

A High Court eviction order was obtained by the owners of the former Papa Johns, at 17 Market Place, following the unauthorised occupation of the building in recent weeks.

It came following reports from residents of anti-social behaviour at the property, including noise late into the night.

The premises, which prior to becoming Papa Johns was a betting shop, has now been boarded up in a bid to prevent a repeat of the disruption after police moved people out on Wednesday (October 29).

MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) welcomed the move, and said: “I was pleased to receive confirmation today that the High Court eviction order for 17 Market Place in Glastonbury has been served, and the property has now been secured and boarded up to prevent further misuse,” she said.

“Avon and Somerset Police have done a sterling job, progressing the eviction order as quickly as possible – in close collaboration with the property owners – ensuring due process was followed and enforcing possession of the building.”

It comes amid a campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury, which saw Ms Dyke call on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for support to tackle what she labelled a “devastating crime wave”.

In July, the MP hosted a meeting involving the police – including Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody – and residents to discuss options to tackle problems in the town.

Then, she said a “small number of people have been causing issues in the town centre”, blamed on “years of under investment and stripping away of public services”.

PCC Moody said more officers would be deployed in Glastonbury, with hotspot patrols already in place.

The eviction from 17 Market Place is the latest move in the campaign, and the MP went on: “Over the past six months, I have been pressing the Government to address anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury, while also keeping a close eye on this specific case.

“I’ve been working with the police throughout, after many constituents contacted me with their concerns.

“Glastonbury residents must feel safe in their town centre, and I am committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders and services to take a joined-up, multi-agency approach to tackling the root causes of anti-social behaviour – as well as ensuring police have the powers they need to enforce.

“I am also continuing to push Somerset Council to introduce a Public Space Protection Order, and I hope to provide an update on progress soon.”

MP Sarah Dyke with police in Glastonbury High Street

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson added: “Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Glastonbury town centre remains a priority for neighbourhood officers, who carry out targeted patrols in uniform to deter problems and identify those responsible. Officers continue work with a range of partners to tackle issues of drunkenness, disorder and drug use.

“At the end of September a vacant business premises in Market Place started to be used as a squat, attracting ASB to that area. Bailiffs acting for the landlord boarded up the building on October 29, after the owner obtained a court order.

“Dealing with ASB involves a series of sanctions, starting with formal warnings and building up to court orders.

“Reports of incidents, with descriptions of those involved, may form part of the evidence we need both to seek such orders and to enforce any breaches.

“Breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order is an offence which can lead to arrest and a prison sentence.”

Meanwhile, police have warned they will be carrying out “highly-visible and unpredictable patrols” ahead of Glastonbury Carnival, set to run on November 15.

Avon & Somerset Police said it will be running special patrols ahead of carnival as part of Project Servator, the name given to special operations “to disrupt a wide range of criminal activity”.

“Ahead of Glastonbury Chilkwell Carnival, Avon and Somerset Police will be conducting Project Servator deployments around Glastonbury town centre, using highly visible and unpredictable patrols to deter criminal activity and reassure the public,” a spokesperson said.

“Officers will work with partners to spot suspicious behaviour and encourage everyone to report anything that doesn’t feel right.”