TRAVELLERS have this week moved onto land in Lliswerry.

Five caravans are on land around the corner from Lee Way Road, near Lee Way Industrial Estate, Newport.

Lliswerry resident Mark Black said: “I saw the caravans yesterday when I was walking my dog.

“I don’t think they’ve been there for long - I walk this route every day.

"I think a site is needed to stop the caravans going on random bits of land."

A study by Newport council carried out in 2015 found a need for 25 permanent residential gypsy and traveller pitches for families who wish to live in the city, and seven for those passing through.

Last year planning permission was granted for a new 4.78-hectare site in Hartridge Farm Road, Ringland, which will include 35 pitches and a community centre.

A spokeswoman for Newport City Council said the local authority was aware of the situation and taking steps to resolve it.

“Newport City Council has served notice to travellers who had set up vehicles on land at Leeway Industrial Estate in Lliswerry,” she added.

“Once again, the council is legally obliged to go through the proper processes to seek the removal of the travellers.

“Although the council does not have a transit site, this does not give certain members of the travelling community the right to camp on clearly inappropriate and sensitive sites.

“We will continue to monitor the situation.”