Travellers arrive in Beechwood Park with police expected to visit

Around six caravans and other vehicles turned up on Beechwood Park yesterday.

A joint visit between Newport City Council and Gwent Police officers will be taking place today where a Section 61 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 - power to remove trespassers on land - could be used, it is understood.

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This comes days after the same group also pitched near the grounds of Caerleon RFC - with locals claiming that the group have taken to empting chemical toilets and defecating underneath the rugby posts.

Pictures have since surfaced of rubbish having been apparently dumped at the site.

St Julian's resident Mike Enea said: "I have contacted police about this.

"And if it turns out that it is the same travellers who have gone to Beechwood Park then police need to get involved."

Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Martin Cawley said that Gwent Police is aware of the caravans, saying: "Local officers are working closely with the local authority to identify a robust and balanced solution to this situation, which will address any issues of public safety."

“In such instances of unauthorised encampments, the onus of responsibility lies with the landowner, and our role is to protect the rights of all parties.

“However, if the impact on the local community is significant and the daily lives of residents are impacted sufficiently by the encampment there is legislation which can be utilised to move the residents on. We are exploring all options at this time.”

And a Newport City Council spokeswoman added: "[We have] signed up to a Gwent regional protocol, with Gwent Police and the four other councils for the management of unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller encampments.  

"It has to follow the correct legal processes and involve partners to carry out assessments. If it is decided to seek an eviction from council-owned land this has to the courts and this can take time.  

"Meanwhile, council officers and the police will continue to monitor the situation and make arrangements to try and minimise the impact of the encampment on the area.

"We are in the process of clearing up the Caerleon site."