Statement: Travellers at Christchurch Viewpoint
Posted on Friday 3rd August 2018
Newport City Council is working with Gwent Police to start legal proceedings against the group of travellers who gained illegal entry to the Christchurch Viewpoint last night.
The council understands the frustration of residents who have witnessed anti-social behaviour on the site and are exploring ways to secure the area without inhibiting the needs of the local community
As far as Christchurch Hill is concerned the council regularly needs to cleanse the site, collect from the bins and maintain the landscaping.
For these operations the council vehicles used are higher than the height restrictor and that is why we have to have a lockable rather than a fixed barrier.
The travellers on site smashed through the locked barrier to gain entry.
While the council is examining ways to solve illegal encampments on this site it still has the problem of balancing the need of the public, who wish to have access, against the need for protection.
Spokesperson for Newport City Council