In Glastonbury, often dubbed the UK’s hippiest town, tensions surrounding the long-established van-dwelling community have escalated dramatically, highlighting issues of discrimination, unsafe living conditions, and perceived neglect by local authorities.
At a recent town council meeting in July, Deejay McCloud, a prominent advocate for roadside dwellers, accused the Glastonbury council of fostering anti-traveller sentiment and violating legal protections. He pointed to a councillor’s public statement declaring caravan dwellers unwelcome in the town as a blatant breach of both the Equality Act and the Human Rights Act.
“Many individuals living on these sites have Roma and Gypsy heritage, which the law explicitly protects,” McCloud stated. “This isn’t just a housing issue – it’s about safeguarding our basic human rights. The endless cycle of evictions and forced displacement creates a false impression that our numbers are growing, when in fact we’re simply being displaced repeatedly.”
The controversy unfolds amid a severe housing shortage and a lack of authorized accommodations for vehicle dwellers in the area. A report submitted to Somerset Council reveals that roughly 300 people live roadside or in unauthorized encampments near Glastonbury—the highest concentration found anywhere in the UK.
McCloud also reported a surge in hateful and threatening online messages following evictions, leaving many in the community fearful for their safety. “Living by the roadside here is no longer a safe option,” he warned, urging the council to negotiate a solution that would allow people to remain on secure land without harassment.
A proposed remedy lies in the creation of a regulated site with permanent pitches, previously outlined in the Glastonbury Town Deal. However, progress has been slow. An initial planning application was withdrawn in early 2024 over flooding concerns. Although a new site was acquired later that summer, the project must be completed by March 2026 to meet deadlines.
McCloud emphasized that the van-dwelling community is not seeking charity. “We’re willing to pay for services if provided. We’ve been using legal provisions dating back to the 1970s housing crisis to support ourselves, and we continually strive for constructive dialogue with local authorities.”
While some recent improvements in relations with Somerset Council and the local police have been acknowledged, McCloud accused Glastonbury Town Council of perpetuating “medieval prejudice” and neglecting its statutory responsibilities. “The council claims we have no rights under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act,” he said. “Yet caravans and trailers are our homes, and that article guarantees respect for private and family life—it absolutely applies.”
Referencing the Planning and Housing Act 2016, McCloud argued the council must legally address the accommodation needs of travellers and vehicle dwellers, a duty he believes remains unfulfilled.
Councillor Steve Henderson recognized the complexity of the issue, suggesting collaboration with Bristol City Council—currently reviewing its own traveller policies—could provide valuable insights. “Deejay engages with us almost monthly,” Henderson said. “This challenge has been ongoing for years and will not disappear. Working together with Bristol might help uncover workable solutions.”