Newport Council has been criticised for spending more than £500,000 on security at Ellen Ridge, a council-owned residential site in Ringland that is home to members of the gypsy and traveller community. The expenditure was revealed in the council's revenue outturn report in June this year, which noted the £538,000 cost "reflecting ongoing site management issues."
Overspend and site details
The report also explained that the council had a £299,000 overspend on housing supply and regulation, "primarily driven by additional security and alarm costs at Ellen Ridge." Ellen Ridge includes three amenity blocks and a community centre used by residents. The site was developed in accordance with Gypsy and Traveller communities' cultural requirements.
Political criticism
Welsh Conservative MS for Newport and Islwyn, Natasha Asghar, has questioned the council's spend on the site. She said: "Taxpayers in Newport have a right to know where their hard-earned money is being spent, and I think most would be startled to see £538,000 has been spent providing security to a gypsy and traveller site with just three pitches."
"We are not talking about a couple of quid here; we are talking about upwards of half a million pounds."
Background and response
In August 2025, police were called to the site after a crowd gathered at Ellen Ridge following false rumours spread online that it was an "illegal migrant camp." Gwent Police attended to "prevent a breach of the peace and to ensure the safety of the people living at the site following misinformation circulating online."
Ms Asghar is calling for Newport Council to "be upfront with residents as to why this was necessary." However, the council will not discuss any security arrangements or the reasons for them, stating it "clearly would not be appropriate."
The Welsh Conservative MS continued: "Given that huge sum could’ve been spent on a range of other things including tackling spiralling crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre, Newport Council must be upfront with residents as to why this was necessary."
"To be clear, this is not about prejudging anyone, it is about holding Newport Council to account and ensuring public money is being spent wisely, after all it is what every responsible elected member should be doing."
A spokesperson for Newport Council said: "The council has a legal responsibility to assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and, where there is an identified unmet need, to provide suitable sites such as Ellen Ridge to meet that need."
The spokesperson added: "Ms Asghar’s office contacted the council in relation to this issue and it is disappointing that she did not wait for the response before making public comments."
