MORE than £18,000 has so far been spent by Newport City Council on clearing up a site previously used by travellers.

Groups of travellers illegally moved into Coronation Park in May, July and August this year.

The clean up cost - which only covers May and July - currently stands at £18,570.

The figure includes £1,500 on replacing damaged doors and frames to changing rooms and a toilet block, £1,200 on handing out court papers and £350 on cleansing an area used as a toilet.

The current figure is expected to rise to take in August. Costs are pending for the installation of a new gate access, modifying a grass verge and changes to an existing fence line.

Despite the clean up taking place after groups of travellers had left there is no concrete evidence that travellers were solely responsible.

The figure was uncovered after Lliswerry resident Andrew Sterry submitted a Freedom of Information Request (FOI) in July, asking for the cost of clean up activities of the site.

“It’s always the tax payer that has to pick up the bill,” said Mr Sterry.

“I submitted the FOI back in July.

“I wanted to find out how much had been spent on the park after the travellers had gone because it’s very popular.”

Mr Sterry, who is a member of the Lliswerry Ward Matters group, said he felt “disgusted” at the cost.

“The thousands of pounds spent is disgusting,” he said. “Something needs sorting because this sort of money can’t be spent in the future on clearing up after travellers.

"I know the Ringland site is not popular and I understand it's going to be used for the permanent gypsy not travellers. We need to solve this problem of the travellers costing the tax payer now more than ever."

Another Lliswerry resident Shaun Griffiths added his frustration at the cost.

“The figure is enormous,” the 34-year-old said. "The council doesn't have a choice in not paying. I think if people damage something they should pay for it.

“Having a traveller site will save us money in the long term.”

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: “Newport council can confirm these costs were given in response to a Freedom of Information request.

"Work to create a residential gypsy and traveller site in Elen Ridge, Hartridge, is progressing well. However, this site will be for Newport families who meet certain criteria and will not be a transit site for people coming into the city.

“The council is currently working with other local authorities to explore options for a regional transit site.”