A Glastonbury resident has voiced strong criticism over the neglected condition of the land surrounding the town’s iconic Red Brick Building, demanding urgent intervention from local councillors to address the persistent eyesore.
At July’s Glastonbury Town Council meeting, Angela Friend recalled the public uproar that followed the closure of Morlands in 1982, when the community came together to discuss the future of the site. While she praised some redevelopment progress—such as new hotels and business units—she highlighted that the area immediately around the historic Red Brick Building remains in a deplorable state.
“How much longer must we tolerate the rubbish, the mess, and the dereliction around the Red Brick Building?” Ms Friend asked, calling the situation “absolutely disgraceful.” She added that although summer foliage partly conceals the building, its poor condition casts a negative shadow over the town’s image. “It’s unacceptable and needs to be dealt with,” she insisted. “People from Glastonbury and neighbouring towns all wonder what’s going on there.”
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Frustrated by ongoing delays, Ms Friend bluntly proposed dramatic action, saying, “My idea would be put a flippin’ bomb under it at the moment.”
She also raised concerns about suspicious activity near a Greek takeaway on Manor House Road, requesting that the council investigate the new fencing and determine whether the business remains operational.
This comes amid continued uncertainty over the future of the troubled Somerset regeneration project. The Red Brick Building, situated on Morland Road, is undergoing a transformation funded by a £23.6 million Glastonbury town deal aimed at converting the derelict ‘Building C’ into community event spaces, offices, and other facilities.
However, Somerset Council paused funding in January 2024 due to serious management concerns, following a critical audit by the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP) in May 2025. As a result, council chief executive Duncan Sharkey confirmed no further project funds will be released while additional audit work continues.
In late May, Mr. Sharkey stated, “We continue to work with the Red Brick Building and the Glastonbury town deal board to consider the next steps for this project.”
Currently, all Glastonbury town deal initiatives must conclude by March 31, 2026. The Red Brick Building’s future will be decided separately. A council spokesperson said, “We are reviewing the project’s timeline and working on an option appraisal for the Life Factory project. No decisions have yet been made regarding unspent funding.”
The community awaits clarity as the longstanding issue surrounding the Red Brick Building’s state persists, amplifying calls for swift and decisive action.