Residents and business owners at Glastonbury are considering hiring a private security company following an outbreak of crime and bad behaviour. Many residents have reported that they now avoid the High Street and seek different routes to avoid troublemakers.
One of the shop owners, Liz Williams, said: “We have to deal with drug dealers, with people drunk in the street, with fights, and people are constantly asked for money. The other day a naked man was urinating in the jeweller’s doorway. The police came and they got thumped. We need changes.”
Inspector Mark Nicholson admitted that the problem of antisocial behaviour in the High Street had been particularly bad this year. He said: “The vast majority of my officers’ time is spent dealing with the situation up there. Glastonbury is unique, diverse. It does bring people who bring us issues.”
The growing problem has prompted the town council to call for a public meeting last week to discuss possible solutions. The police have promised horses that can be used to patrol the town and carry out days of action. They have also called for volunteers to help staff the CCTV control room.