A HOSPITAL staff car park in Newport will be closed over the next few days after a group of travellers set up camp there.

Around 14 traveller caravans arrived at the 300-space Whiteheads staff car park of the Royal Gwent Hospital, on Mendalgief Road opposite the hospital, on Saturday.

Julian Hayman, a spokesman for Aneurin Bevan Health Board, said the car park will be closed to staff for two to three days as the travellers, who are believed to be French, have indicated they will move on shortly.

"Some visitors may park there but it's mostly staff," said Mr Hayman.

Members of staff will need to make alternative arrangements for parking but there is a smaller car park opposite Whiteheads on Mendalgief Road.

More than 3,400 staff work at the Royal Gwent Hospital, which has approximately 774 beds and serves a population of more than 600,000, with many inpatient and specialist services supporting the entire catchment area.

Permanent sites for gipsies and travellers in Newport went out to consultation last month as part of the council's local development plan (LDP), ending on Friday, October 18. The consultation looked at alternative sites and revisions to the plan including proposed gipsy and traveller sites.

The final version of the LDP will go before full council later this year and will be submitted to the Welsh Government for examination. The LDP will help to shape the development of Newport until 2026.