Somerset residents wishing to climb up Glastonbury Tor will not be able to use the northern entrance to the site for the next three weeks.

The Glastonbury Multi Agency Group (MAG) will be closing off Stone Down Lane on the edge of the town to allow for new boulders to be moved into place and a new bund to be constructed.

The measures are designed to discourage unsafe parking on the roadside while providing space for new disabled parking spaces for blue badge holders.

The road closure – including pedestrian access to the Tor – will be in force for a three-week period from Monday (February 28).

The MAG was created to coordinate civil enforcement against unauthorised traveller encampments across Glastonbury, as well as identify options for more permanent, legal sites in and around the town.

The group includes representatives from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council and Glastonbury Town Council.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the number of unauthorised encampments has increased significantly, with more than 300 vehicles being in place at one stage.

The MAG has been focusing its efforts around Bretenoux Road, Stone Down Lane, Kennard Moor Drove, Watchwell Drove, and the Beckery area.

Part of the £23.6M Glastonbury town deal includes providing new traveller facilities on the Morlands site on Beckery Old Road, which is allocated for traveller or employment use within the district council's Local Plan Part II.

The Stone Down Lane have been created with input from local residents, farmers and the National Trust (which operates the Tor).

Councillor John Woodman, the county council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Unauthorised parking on Stone Down Lane causes huge issues for local farmers and residents, and on some occasions – such as the winter and summer solstices – there have been vehicles parked along the full length this road, which as well as causing disruption and noise for local people, means emergency vehicles can't get through.

"There is plenty of parking in town and well-marked routes to the Tor for walkers. There's also a regular bus service in the tourist season."

Stone Down Lane will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from February 28 to March 18 between the junction with Wellhouse Lane and the junction with Basketfield Lane.

During this time, traffic will be diverted via Wellhouse Lane, along the A361 Edgarley Road, Ashwell Lane, Gipsy Lane and Basketfield Lane.

James Mcwilliam, visitor operations and experience manager for the National Trust, said: "We fully support the changes being made at Stone Down Lane.

We want Glastonbury Tor to be accessible and enjoyed by everyone; however we are also aware that it is a sensitive, living landscape which needs protecting.

"Encouraging visitors to take the designated routes and parking in the right places is a huge step to ensuring the Tor stays accessible for all for many years to come."