A PATCH of council land has been occupied by a number of traveller caravans.

Five caravans and vehicles are parked on the plot of land at the Maltings site near the Southern Distributor Road in Newport which is opposite the Blaina Wharf pub.

Travellers moved onto the same patch of land on June 20, 2017 and remained there for seven weeks, leaving on August 8. They left behind large amount of rubbish in the area including fridges, shower units and a children’s roundabout. They also damaged the grassy area at the site when vehicles moved from the area.

A spokeswoman for Newport City Council said that the council is “aware of the situation” and that it has begun the legal process to remove the travellers.

The spokeswoman said: “The legal process has begun to seek the removal of this illegal encampment as soon as possible as this is an inappropriate site, not least because of its location near a major road.

“In the meantime, refuse bags will be taken to the site and the council will continue to monitor the situation.”

The spokeswoman added that they are working with other local authorities to “explore options for a regional transit site for gypsies and travellers who are on route to other destinations."

She said: “Newport City Council seeks to treat both residents and all visitors to city fairly, and expects the same consideration in return.

“We are aware that a travelling family have moved onto land just off the SDR (Southern Distributor Road) and we are currently monitoring the situation.”

Although there was nobody available to comment, local businesses have told the South Wales Argus in the past that they feared that the sight of the travellers could deter potential customers.