PRESSURE is mounting on Newport council to find a permanent solution to its gipsy problem as another illegal camp sets up at Tredegar Park.

Over the past six months gipsy camps in the city have cost the council thousands of pounds in eviction and clear-up operations.

But the gipsies say they have no option but to camp illegally as the council will not provide them with a permanent site.

Barney McDonnagh is one of the gipsies currently camped at Tredegar Park.

He told the Argus he had written to Newport council asking them to provide a permanent site with facilities.

He said: "We have been demonised and it's unfair. We live a clean, traditional lifestyle - but it seems we have no rights.

"All we want is a safe and permanent camp with running water and toilets so we can carry on our tradition legally."

The gipsies caused an outcry back in July when they set up camp at Tredegar House just weeks before the start of the National Eisteddfod.

In the event, the camp was moved on within days, leaving behind only minimal damage. Newport council were unable to confirm the exact cost of the clear-up operation then, although it admits each eviction action normally costs "tens of thousands of pounds".

It has already begun eviction proceedings against the gipsies camped at Tredegar Park.

This latest controversy comes as MPs discuss proposals to provide official gipsy sites in every UK town.

Members of a Commons committee want laws introduced which would force local authorities to offer public spaces for gipsies to park their caravans.

But many believe the plans would amount to an open invitation for travellers to descend on quiet communities in large numbers placing a strain on resources.

Councillor Bill Pursey has first hand experience of gipsy camps in the Coedkernew area.

He said: "I've nothing against the idea of permanent camps in principle but the difficulty is that you can't control them. They would become overcrowded and put a strain on local resources."

A spokeswoman for Newport city council added: "A council forum will shortly consider a report concerning a number of issues regarding travellers in Newport.

"These include the current state of play based on the role and responsibilities of the council and other issues in relation to sites for the travellers. All options are currently at their research stage."