Police and Councils to Coordinate Response
Gwent Police plans to meet with all five local authorities in its region to develop a consistent approach to unauthorised traveller encampments, following weeks of disruption in Monmouthshire and Newport. The move comes after encampments at Caldicot Leisure Centre's playing fields and Caldicot Castle disrupted a VW festival, while Newport football club Albion Rovers cancelled matches and training due to caravans on its pitch at Malpas Road.
Residents Express Frustration
Caldicot councillor Jackie Strong told Monmouthshire County Council's July meeting that residents felt police had not adequately addressed their concerns. "Residents tell me they had to put up with threatening behaviour, vandalism, public indecency and were upset with the low level police response," she said. "They feel under-policed and under-protected."
Charles Heaven, chairman of Sudbrook Cricket Club in Caldicot, attended the July 16 meeting to ask about long-term measures to protect the ground and adjacent school playing fields from "repeated unauthorised encampments".
Council Estimates Cleanup Costs
The council's best estimate for clearing and restoring Sudbrook Cricket Club and the Caldicot playing fields stands at £2,923, as confirmed during the meeting. Cabinet member for equalities and engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said the council is "assessing the feasibility of enhanced access control measures and physical barriers to prevent unauthorised vehicle access."
Sandles explained that on the day travellers arrived at the cricket club, council officers were present to examine ways to minimise disruption and "prevent further incursions", with short-term solutions already in progress. Any interventions must be "balanced" against ensuring appropriate access for legitimate purposes and preserving local character, while collaborating with the community, school, and police to identify the most effective measures.
Legal Constraints and Transit Site Shortage
Sandles acknowledged the risk of future unauthorised encampments cannot be completely removed. She stated the council has reviewed its response to recent encampments and how it could act "more quickly" while adhering to legal obligations and Welsh Government guidance. She highlighted a deficit across Wales of authorised transit sites where Gypsy and Traveller families can legally stop temporarily.
"I have consistently raised the need for a Wales-wide approach to transit sites," Sandles said, adding: "This is a complex issue not least because proposals for transit provision often meet significant local opposition regardless of where they are suggested. Without sufficient organised stopping places across Wales, councils are left to manage the consequences rather than address one of the underlying causes."
Police to Host Gwent-Wide Meeting
Regarding policing, Sandles noted that the council and police hold distinct legal powers and responsibilities. Council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby met with chief superintendent Jason White, and both agreed to draw lessons from recent events and bolster collaborative efforts. Sandles stated: "The chief superintendent intends to convene a Gwent-wide meeting involving all five local authorities to develop a more consistent understanding and approach across the region. While each case is different, there is clear value in ensuring partners have a clear understanding of the legal framework, operational practice, and expectations."
Additional Measures Planned
Council leaders and police will also explore ways to enhance communication with the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community. The police will host a seminar for Monmouthshire councillors to clarify roles, responsibilities, legal powers, and Welsh Government guidance, with specialist organisations working alongside Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities potentially invited to participate. Police and the council will exchange their policies and procedures to ensure a transparent understanding of each organisation's responsibilities when responding to unauthorised encampments.
