High Density of Van-Dwellers in Glastonbury
There have been calls to declare a "state of emergency" in Glastonbury, Somerset, due to the town having the highest concentration of van-dwellers in the UK. According to a Somerset Council report dated 25 February, there were 131 vans, caravans, or motor homes occupied on the roadside in Glastonbury. A previous report had identified this as the highest density of vans in the country.
Council Plans and Calls for Urgent Action
Council officials have indicated that a planning application for a new site designated for van-dwellers is expected to be submitted later this year. However, Councillor Susannah Hart has urged for the situation to be recognized as an emergency, criticizing the council's slow progress in addressing the complex issue.
"I do feel now that we're in a situation where actually we need to call this what it is, a state of emergency with relation to the lack of availability of a travellers' site.
Everyone recognises that Bristol has a huge issue trying to deal with this, but if the size of the problem in Glastonbury was equivalent to the size of the problem in Bristol, there would be 12 caravans in Glastonbury."
Diverse Perspectives Among Council Members
In contrast, Councillor Hazel Prior-Sanke expressed concern that labeling the issue an "emergency" might be sensationalizing it. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of those living in vans and welcomed initiatives aimed at improving their situation.
"I'm really pleased to hear that these initiatives are moving forward.
We have to remember that these are human beings – they need somewhere to put the van in which they live.
Anything we can do to move this forward and stop them being a pariah is welcome."
Financial Impact of Abandoned Vehicles
Councillor Ewan Cameron highlighted an additional financial burden related to the issue, noting the costs incurred from abandoned vehicles. Since 2021, approximately 104 caravans have been abandoned in Glastonbury, resulting in expenses of up to £72,000 for removal and disposal.
Existing Sites and Challenges
The council currently operates three dedicated sites for individuals who meet the protected criteria of Gypsies and travellers. However, many van-dwellers do not qualify for these sites, as they often live in vans due to the inability to afford rental housing.
Efforts to Secure New Accommodation
Authorities have been working to establish a site that would provide safe accommodation for the non-bricks-and-mortar community in Glastonbury, including van-dwellers. Approximately £23.6 million of central government funding has been allocated as part of the Town Deal to support these efforts.
In mid-2023, plans were proposed to develop a new travellers' site on land north of Porchestall Drove. However, these proposals were withdrawn in early 2024 due to concerns about flooding risks. Subsequently, a different site was secured in the summer of 2024, with a new planning application anticipated to be submitted later this year.
Feasibility Study and Future Plans
Additionally, a feasibility study has been commissioned to explore the development of new "designated vehicle dweller sites" alongside Gypsy, Roma, and travellers transit sites, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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