A suspected arson attack on a cluster of caravans in Glastonbury has heightened tensions in the Somerset town, where a growing number of people are living in vehicles due to a housing shortage.
Explosion and Fire
Jan Johnston, 71, was inside her van home when she was jolted by a loud explosion. "I heard this massive boom," she said. "I came out and there was thick, black, billowing smoke. It was like a bomb had gone off." The blast, which occurred on Saturday night, is believed to be an arson attack on one of the many caravans, motorhomes, and converted vehicles parked on side roads and industrial estates around Glastonbury. The fire spread, damaging three caravans just metres from Johnston's vehicle. Charred remains of clothes, books, and tin cans are still visible among the wreckage.
Fire crews from Glastonbury, Wells, and Street attended the scene. Fortunately, no one was inside the gutted caravans at the time.
Changing Mood
For decades, people like Johnston have lived harmoniously alongside "bricks and mortar" residents in Glastonbury, known for its alternative and spiritual culture. But the mood has shifted due to a sharp increase in roadside living and a perceived decline in tolerance. The motive for the attack remains unknown, but it has left many feeling uneasy.
"I've been coming here for 47 years," said Johnston, a teacher. "I'm a bit of a pilgrim and it's always been a mellow kind of place but I'm not staying any more. I'm packing up." She plans to move to the Isle of Wight to be with family.
John, 62, who lives in a nearby caravan, described the attack as a "hate crime." He said, "If the wind had been blowing the other way, more vans could have gone up and people could have been killed. Horrendous." John said he did not choose to live in a caravan but was forced into it after Brexit cost him his job as a carer in Europe, leaving him unable to find permanent housing.
Housing Crisis
Hazel, another caravan dweller, said she would prefer a conventional home. "I have had trauma in my life and feel very vulnerable," she said. "I'd like a flat or house, even a room but they just aren't available." She lives with her dog, Okami, a cross between a Czechoslovakian wolfdog and an akita inu, for safety.
Not all local residents are sympathetic. One anonymous homeowner near the fire site said, "If it makes them move away, then so be it. Some are nice and friendly, work and pay their taxes. But too many of them are trouble-causers and make the place look a mess."
Police Response
Avon and Somerset police arrested a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s on suspicion of arson, arson with intent to endanger life, and assault of an emergency worker. They have been released on conditional police bail while investigations continue.
Political Issue
The issue has become a pressing political topic in Glastonbury. Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke raised it in the House of Commons, highlighting that affordable housing availability in Somerset has plummeted and rents have risen, forcing people into vans. Conservative councillor Susannah Hart called for Somerset council to declare a "state of emergency." The number of vehicles counted rose from 131 in February to 157 by the end of May.
Glastonbury has secured £23.6 million for regeneration projects, including a project to help roadside dwellers. Work began on a regulated site but halted due to flooding. A second site with fewer than 20 spots is in planning. Councillor Liz Leyshon, deputy leader of Somerset council, noted that Glastonbury has long been a place of pilgrimage, leading to "waves" of non-bricks and mortar dwellers, with spikes during Covid and after Bristol city council moved dwellers on.
Leyshon also pointed to a general decline in tolerance. "People have become intolerant. You see that when you stand for election." Somerset has 13,000 households on its social housing waiting list.
Community Voices
Chris Black, who used to allow artists and performers to live at his Zig Zag factory building, doubts local authorities can resolve the issue due to bureaucracy. "Glastonbury has long been a place to offer sanctuary to all sort of people," he said. "It's a shame if that gets lost."
Near the River Brue, where legend says King Arthur's sword Excalibur was thrown, vans are parked with signs asking for respect. One reads, "This caravan is our home of joy. Please respect our space." A herbalist living there said, "There are a lot of gentle, interesting people here. Most are the best sort – resourceful and able to live lightly. To be fair, most Glastonbury people accept us. It's only a few that don't. Everyone should find a way to live together peacefully."
