A GOLF club claims it has come under attack from a group of gipsies who have set up an illegal camp.

For the past three weeks, staff and players at the Parc Golf Club in Coedkernew say they have been subjected to threatening and intimidating behaviour from a group of around 12 youths.

On a number of occasions the gang, believed to be from a nearby illegal gipsy camp, have forced their way on to the course to use the facilities. When asked to leave, it is alleged they have hurled abuse and threats at staff and players. Police have twice been called to the club to remove the gang.

Club manager Harry Barlow told the Argus something had to be done. He said: "Nearly every other day they have been interfering on the driving range and threatening my staff with violence.

"It's got to the stage where we worry about the safety of our staff." Mr Barlow said he believed the gang was part of an illegal camp of gipsies based at the former LG site near Marshfield.

The camp was set up earlier this month, only weeks after another group of gipsies were evicted from a nearby site at a cost of thousands of pounds.

The LG camp is currently on a 28-day eviction notice. Marshfield councillor Bill Morgan said: "We have to find a permanent gipsy site in Newport. I can't see another way around this problem.

"But if we do provide a site, there has to be an agreement that they pay rent and council tax and do not camp illegally elsewhere."

Police inspector Mark Warrender, of Pill division, said: "We have had a number of calls from management at Parc Golf Club and, on each occasion, matters have been dealt with and resolved.

"Any issue in relation to the travelling community will be referred to the local authority which is the lead agency on travelling encampments. "Officers are liasing with the club and are monitoring the situation."