Residents shocked at travellers' arrival (From South Wales Argus)

8:00pm Sunday 11th May 2008

OAKDALE residents were shocked after a group of travellers set up camp at a business park over the weekend.

According to locals, around 15 caravans started arriving at the site on Enterprise Way from about 3pm on Friday afternoon.

Residents said the travellers are accompanied by 11 dogs, which have been barking loudly into the early hours of the morning.

There are also a couple of scrap vehicles, which residents say are being driven loudly around the site.

Carol Hatton, 62, of nearby Bronwydd, said: "You can imagine how horrified we were when we saw the convoy arrive.

"It's such a quiet and beautiful area, we've never had anything like this before - it was very unexpected.

"The main thing is that we're anxious to know how long they'll be there for."

Local councillors, Allan Pritchard and John Evans said they have visited local residents to reassure them.

Councillor Evans said: "The local residents are wondering how long they are going to be there, they are very concerned about it."

Councillor Pritchard said Caerphilly council has been informed and said environmental officers have already paid a visit to the site.

He added: "I don't want to be alarmist about this.

"I'm just asking residents to be vigilant and to report anything untoward."

Inspector Mark Ryley of Gwent Police said the police had not received any reports as a result of the travellers' stay.

He said police are monitoring the situation and will be making enquiries with the council tomorrow to establish who owns the land.

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