People living near the site of the Glastonbury Festival are claiming compensation for intrusion and crime suffered during this year's event.

Increased security to prevent gatecrashers at the 2002 music and arts festival led to people without tickets invading the Somerset village of Pilton.

Festival organiser Michael Eavis admitted mistakes were made and has written to everyone living in the village saying he will do all he can to prevent similar problems in future.

Some families have claimed it was so frightening they were forced to stay indoors until it was all over.

'A nightmare'

Several homes in Pilton and neighbouring East Pennard were broken into.

Vernon Blyth is one of 40 residents to complain to Mendip Council who will next week review this year's festival to check that it was operated in accordance with its licence agreement.

Mr Blyth found a fence post broken and two people asleep in his garden.

He said: "When you feel there is an invasive element in your home and garden then I think it raises concerns to a different level."

Mr Eavis says steps are already being taken to tighten security on this issue at next year's event.

"I am talking to police, security chiefs and the fencing contractors."

He said the 2003 festival would not take place if he was not convinced the problems faced by local people could be overcome.

This year's increased security, which included a massive fence, led to numbers at the festival being limited to an estimated 100,000 people.

Crime rates within the festival site were down.