A councillor has spoken out to explain why travellers cannot simply be moved on from a public green space.
Nick Portman, who represents Rogerstone North, addressed mounting frustration from residents in Mount Pleasant, Newport, where an unauthorised traveller encampment has been in place for around two weeks.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, 31 May, Mr Portman explained that because the encampment is on Newport City Council land, the authority has a legal duty of care to provide drinking water, toilets, and rubbish removal until the group leaves.
He also explained why the council cannot remove the travellers immediately.
Mr Portman said: "This duty of care is also the reason why travellers cannot be ushered off the land with immediate effect.
"There are protocols in place to ensure laws are being abided by."
He acknowledged the anger felt by Rogerstone residents, noting they pay the highest council tax rates in Newport and said he understood why frustrations were running high.
The councillor said the matter had now been passed to a specialist department within the council that works with the travelling community, limiting his ability to take direct action beyond pressing officers and providing updates to residents.
He said he had been assured by members of the travelling community that they intend to move on "in the near future" to attend a horse show in Cumbria.
Mr Portman promised to push for "a total deep clean up" of the green once the group leave and said he would be contacting the council to chase up overdue rubbish collections.
Residents have reported ongoing issues with noise, waste, and anti-social behaviour, with some raising concerns about human waste and litter being left on the green.
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In a May 27 update, Mr Portman said he had spoken to Gwent Police, who were being "more proactive" around the estate and working in partnership with the council.
Travellers at the site have since apologised, and following complaints agreed to stop using bikes and e-scooters on the green.
Mr Portman's handling of the situation comes amid separate political scrutiny.
He was recently suspended from the Welsh Conservative Party following media reports about his earlier appearance in a documentary under the name Nick Baneswell, and historic driving-related convictions.
He remains an independent councillor for Rogerstone North while a party investigation is carried out.
Despite these issues, Mr Portman has continued to address the encampment, focusing on the council's legal obligations, sharing residents' concerns, and promising to push for enforcement and a full clean-up once the group moves on.
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