GIPSIES camping in Newport County's stadium car park were due to leave today after receiving an official notice from the council.

Up to 47 travellers in 12 caravans set up camp in the car park last Thursday. Newport County director Colin Everett called the situation "inconvenient", but added that he expected the travellers to leave by the end of the day.

He said: "Obviously it was difficult on Saturday because it was match day and we had several hundred cars coming into the stadium.

"It was made even more difficult because of where they were - right by the entrance. Our main concern, with all the traffic coming in and out, was the children.

"Police came and asked the group to move to a grassy area away from the entrance, which they did."

Four police vans were present as crowds left the stadium on Saturday.

A police spokesman said officers would not be attending today to make sure the travellers left.

He added: "The local authority issued a notice to leave, and unless there is an eventuality we have no plans to be present."

Mr Everett said he would be talking to Newport council about the use of the car park by gipsies.

"It has happened on a number of occasions in the last few years - it's becoming a bit of a regular event. We understand they have to go somewhere, but we will be asking the council to prevent any further access because of the inconvenience," he said.

Councillor Ron Jones, Newport council's cabinet member for culture and recreation, told the Argus there were plans in the pipeline to restrict access to the stadium.