‘Like a bomb had gone off’: suspected arson attack fuels Glastonbury unease | UK news

J.One Johnston was trapped in the van he called home when it was rocked by the explosion. “I heard this big explosion,” he said. “When I came out there was thick, black, billowing smoke. It was like a bomb had gone off.”

It turned out that this was not a bomb but a suspected arson attack on one of the many caravans, caravans and converted vehicles stored on byways and industrial estates around the town of Glastonbury in Somerset.

The fire spread and damaged three caravans within meters of Johnston’s vehicle. Charred remains of clothes, books and cans can still be seen among the debris.

For decades, people like Johnston, 71, have parked in Glastonbury, famous for its alternative, spiritual and peaceful ways, living in harmony with the mostly “brick-and-mortar” townsfolk.

But the mood has changed due to the sharp increase in the number of roadside residents and the general decline in people’s desire to live together. The reason for the attack is unknown, but it made people uneasy.

“I’ve been coming here for 47 years,” teacher Johnston said. “I’m a bit of a pilgrim and it’s always been a quiet place but I won’t be staying any longer. I’m packing my things. I have family on the Isle of Wight and I’m going there.”

The attack took place on Saturday night. Fire crews from Glastonbury, Wells and Street attended. Luckily, there was no one in the destroyed caravans.

“This feels like a hate crime,” said John, 62, who lives in another trailer nearby. “If the wind had been the wrong way, more vans could have been blown up and people could have died. It’s terrible.”

Some people choose to live in RVs or vehicles, but John said he is not one of them. “I was working as a carer in Europe. When Brexit happened I had to return and couldn’t find a permanent place to live.”

Hazel, who also lives in a nearby caravan, said she would prefer to live in a traditional house. “I’ve experienced trauma in my life and I feel very vulnerable,” she said.

“I want an apartment or a house, or even a room, but they are not available.” He lives with his dog Okami, a cross between a Czechoslovakian wolfhound and an akita inu. “I wouldn’t feel safe without Okami,” he said.

Not all “brick and mortar” residents were sympathetic when news of the fire broke. Some suggested that the fire was probably caused by a barbecue lit by residents. Many people said they shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

A person who lives in a house close to where the fire broke out and did not want his name to be disclosed said they were satisfied that no one was injured. “But if it makes them move away, so be it. Some are nice and friendly and work and pay their taxes. But most are troublemakers and make a miserable place.”

Avon and Somerset police said two people, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s, were arrested on suspicion of arson, arson with intent to endanger life and assault on an emergency worker. While the investigation continues, the individuals were released on condition of judicial control.

This is a pressing political issue in this town. Earlier this year, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, Sarah Dyke, raised the issue in the House of Commons, stating that the availability of affordable housing in Somerset was falling and rents were rising, forcing people to take up vans and vehicles.

Glastonbury Conservative Councilor Susannah Hart called on Somerset council to declare a “state of emergency”. The numbers increase even more during the summer months. When the pickup trucks and vehicles were counted in February, there were 131 people. As of the end of May, according to the latest figures, there were 157 people.

There is money available that could help alleviate the problem. Glastonbury has secured £23.6 million in funding for a number of regeneration projects, including a project to help roadside residents. Work on creating a regulated area was initiated in the district where the fire occurred, but these works were stopped due to flooding.

A second site has been allocated and is in the process of obtaining planning permission, but it will have fewer than 20 spaces. Glastonbury-born Councilor Liz Leyshon, deputy leader of Somerset council, said the town had been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. “There’s a big pull and a big draw to a small town.”

Those who “don’t live in bricks and mortar” tend to have “waves,” he said. There was a surge during Covid and another this year after Bristol city council moved residents elsewhere.

Somerset council was working with Bristol to replicate the use of “meanwhile sites”, which are often parcels of land about to be developed. “I think Glastonbury will respond to a number of smaller venues as we look to create permanent off-road venues,” Leyshon said.

In Somerset, as in much of the UK, an acute housing shortage is exacerbating the problem. There are 13,000 households on the “home finding” list looking for social housing.

Leyshon also said the situation was not helped by the general decline in open-mindedness in society. “People have become intolerant. You see that when you go into elections.”

Chris Black was allowing artists and artists to live in the Zig Zag former factory building in Glastonbury, some in vans, until Somerset council took enforcement action to move them.

He doubts that local officials can solve the problem because they are hampered by bureaucracy. “Glastonbury has long been a place that offers sanctuary to all kinds of people,” he said. “It would be a shame if it got lost.”

In another corner of town, pickup trucks are parked along the Brue River. Legend has it that in the time of King Arthur, the river overflowed from this point and formed the lake from which his sword Excaliber was thrown.

Some trailer windows have signs reminding passersby that people live here. “This caravan is our house of joy,” someone says. “Please respect our space.”

One caravan resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said neighboring vans hosted a DJ and artist. He was an herbalist.

“There are a lot of kind and interesting people here,” he said. “Most of them are of the best kind; resourceful and able to live comfortably. To be fair, most Glastonbury people accept us. Only a few do not. Everyone must find a way to live together in peace.”