'It's a disgrace!' Residents blast local 'eyesore' as caravans transform city into 'ghetto'

Local politicians revealed this week that Glastonbury has the highest ratio of caravans to homes in the country.

The ratio is 23 times higher than nearby Bristol, which is already dubbed "Caravan City".

The situation has sparked a growing divide between residents who describe occupants as "hippy thugs" and caravan dwellers who defend their lifestyle choices.

Councillor Susanna Hart described the situation as "unsustainable" and argued the council can "no longer ignore it".

"Glastonbury is facing an unprecedented challenge with roadside caravans," she said.

Local resident Helen Morris, 79, expressed stronger views.

"I think it's disgusting that they are allowed to live here," she told The Sun, saying she has had to call the news because of the noise.

Some streets are now lined with row upon row of what locals describe as "ramshackle caravans".

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However, the town's caravan community have insisted they are honest and hardworking people who are "treated like scum" by their neighbours.

Ras Khalin, 61, a rastafarian musician, has lived in his caravan for nine years said that he is an "upstanding citizen".

Quentin Grugeon, 50, who has lived in a caravan since 2020, explained why people are drawn to the area.

"Glastonbury has always been magical to us, people come here looking for a higher consciousness."

"We've become such a large amount of people because of the housing crisis in the rest of the country."

Another resident moved to Glastonbury after losing his job during Covid, whilst another said that he would be homeless if not living here.

It's estimated around 80 per cent of caravan dwellers are there due to affordability issues.

Despite challenges, there are signs of community spirit among the caravan dwellers, including a shower in a garden shed that is free to use.

This comes as many local churches and community groups no longer allow caravan-dwellers into their facilities.

Khalin said a lack of mental health support in the town was worsening issues in his community.

"These people are the bottom of the pile, they have been forgotten and abused," he said. "They need help and support but the council doesn't want to know."