PEOPLE in Newport are "losing faith" with the ability of police and the city council to deal with travellers, it has been claimed.

Independent Lliswerry ward member Cllr Allan Morris made the claim during a Newport City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 25.

He was speaking after a group of travellers moved onto Coronation Park in Pill for about a month in May, and again earlier this month. They have since moved on.

Travellers also moved onto land opposite the Blaina Wharf pub on the Southern Distributor Road in June. It is not known if these groups are connected.

Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday evening Cllr Morris said: "It is almost seen in the city that these people are untouchable.

"They leave an unmentionable mess which we then have to clean up."

He added: "It is causing a lot of distress and costing a lot of money and people are losing faith on this."

Leader of the council's Conservative group Cllr Matthew Evans also spoke about the issue, saying: "There seems to be a be a reluctance from the council and police to tackle issues with the travelling community head on."

In August last year the council gave the go-ahead to set up a new permanent traveller site in Hartridge Farm Road, Ringland, which is in the process of being set up.

And, speaking at Tuesday's meeting, Gwent Police chief inspector Dave Morgan said: "There is one local family that has not been awarded spaces in that site and is causing issues."

He added: "Work is already in place to deal with the ongoing issues.

"It won't happen overnight, as you will appreciate."

A council spokeswoman said: "Newport City Council works with the police when an illegal encampment is set up in the city to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

"However, we have to operate within the law and very often have to apply for a court order if the travellers will not leave when requested.

"We understand that this can be frustrating for residents and businesses that may be impacted as this can take some time but we have to follow the proper and legal processes."