HIPPIES have set up a “slum” of storage containers and caravans near the homes of weary Glastonbury residents.
Locals say people interested in “alternative lifestyles” are coming to the city but end up living in an “abandoned listed building” and causing “distress” to others.
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Supermarket staff are complaining of shoplifting and residents are now resorting to moving their children away from nearby schools due to “anti-social behaviour”, furious owners claim.
There appear to be around 200 caravans, motorhomes and similar temporary homes in the area.
And Glastonbury’s ZigZag building, built in 1934 and historically used to make sheepskin products, has even become home to some newcomers, according to locals.
Retired carpenter Les Webb, 76, said: “We have had a real problem with those looking for an alternative lifestyle coming to Glastonbury.
“They come here in search of an idyllic life and end up living on the grounds of a listed and abandoned building.
“Some have even made ZigZag their home.”
Local businessman Anthony Pearson, 64, said: “We really need to protect this site as it is historically important.
“But the current owners don’t seem to want to develop it in a way that’s good for the city.”
Another resident said there was a real problem with a “close-knit favela” of travelers.
Michael Dobson, 56, said: “To talk about Glastonbury as a place of refuge and compassion is to absolutely ignore the terrible experiences of people who have to live near these loosely knit slums.
“Staff at local supermarkets have complained to us about the amount of theft coming from people living in caravans around their stores.
“People are scared by the amount of people coming into town who have absolutely no connection to the area.”
Another resident added: “I’m not saying that the people who live there are, by definition, anti-social and behave badly – I’m sure that’s not true.
“But the situation at the moment is that there are people living up there who are causing a lot of suffering to the residents.
“Ordinary people in the city are fed up. There are people who are transferring their children from a local school because of anti-social behaviour.”
A public inquiry into alleged planning breaches relating to the use of the ZigZag building ended last week.
The building is currently being used as a community and performance space.
Somerset Council issued enforcement notices after expressing concerns about the new use of the building, as well as the living conditions of people in the building.
In the enforcement documents, the municipality demanded the cessation of unauthorized mixed use of the land for storage and residential use; all caravans, steel containers, goods and movable property have been permanently removed; and the land has been restored to its original condition prior to the unauthorized material change of use.
Chris Black, who purchased the ZigZag building more than 10 years ago, was contacted for comment.
On the building’s Facebook page, a spokesperson wrote last month: “During [the] In the last decade Zigzag has become a sanctuary or home for 146 people of 21 nationalities (as far as we can remember), who stayed for more than 2 weeks, most for months, many for years…
“People from different cultures, countries, origins, races, sexual orientations and beliefs…
“Zigzag has connected us with over 250 Friday food nights, music events, theaters, performances, open days, birthday parties, weddings, textiles, ceramics, basket weaving, paper making, archery and woodworking workshops. ..
“We had yoga classes, dance classes, ceilidhs, therapies, filmmakers, videographers and much more…
“We will always be grateful to Zigzag, this incredible, magical, crazy and never boring place on the edge of Glastonbury’s industrial estate…
“Zigzag our home, playground and the best dance floor in the world.”
When asked about local complaints, a Somerset Council spokesperson said: “If people witness anti-social behavior such as drinking in the streets, vandalism or littering, they should report it to the Police or Somerset Council.
“Reports of anti-social behavior will help the Council and its partners to resolve issues together.
“The Council can be contacted on 0300 123 2224 where a report will be passed to the Community Safety Team for investigation.
“The police can be contacted by calling 101 or in an emergency 999.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
