Festival safety team up for award

The 2005 festival was said to be one of the safest ever

The team behind crime-reduction efforts at the Glastonbury Festival has been nominated for the Public Servants of the Year award.

Avon and Somerset police and Mendip district council have worked with the event's organisers to improve safety.

The 2005 festival was said to be one of the safest in its history with crime more than 90% down on 2000.

Supt Adrian Coombs said the nomination was a testament to the success and hard work of the group.

"In 2000, I think many people would say they did not feel safe at the festival," he said.

"Something had to be done to reduce crime and disorder and regulate the number of people on the site.

"Through partnership with the licensing authority and organisers, things began to change and in 2005, 150,000 people enjoyed an exceptionally safe event."

The council's senior environmental health officer Chris Malcolmson added: "The [team's] achievements demonstrate what is possible when different public sector organisations work together."

Although there is no festival this year, the team is already working together on next year's event.