A group of travellers have moved on after setting up a camp outside a school in Newport. The travellers and caravans arrived directly outside Llanwern High School at Hartridge Farm Road in Newport on Tuesday and were still there on Wednesday morning.
Numerous static caravans and other vehicles had been pictured at the site on Wednesday, alongside gas bottles and barbeques. However, on Thursday morning it was confirmed that the group had left the unauthorised camp.
Pupils at the school had been allowed to leave early on Tuesday, with a spokesperson confirming on social media that they had been directed off site via a rear exit after a small fire was started at the front gate. Get the latest news from across Newport sent straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter.
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On Tuesday, a high school spokesperson said: “Travellers have set up camp immediately outside the school gate. The camp has a fire going at the moment so in agreement with the chair of governors, on this occasion, pupils have been directed to leave via the rear of the school and across the SDR bridge."
It was later confirmed that the council was liaising with Gwent Police regarding a course of action. The school also said it was working with the council.
On Wednesday morning, the main entrance to the school site was clear and the group appear to have moved on.
A spokesman for the city council said: “Newport City Council is aware of the unauthorised encampment at Llanwern High School. The council has signed up to a Gwent regional protocol with Gwent Police and the four other councils for the management of unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller encampments.
“As per the protocol, our officers are currently liaising with Gwent Police regarding this encampment. The council are also working with the school to ensure safe access is maintained to the school site for pupils and staff.”
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