An illegal encampment that had surrounded a coffee shop at Christchurch viewpoint in Newport has been dispersed by the council and the police, bringing an end to weeks of frustration for the local business. The encampment, which appeared without permission last month, caused inconvenience for Wilson and Bay Coffee Club located at the viewpoint car park. The presence of caravans led to the area becoming littered, discouraging visitors and affecting the coffee shop’s revenue. The situation even forced the cancellation of the shop’s bonfire night event.
Acknowledging the support of the community, the coffee shop managed to raise over £2,000 through a fundraiser. Following the clearance of the illegal encampment, Wilson and Bay announced plans to clean the grounds around their establishment. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by the Traveller community in Wales regarding accommodation provision, as admitted by the cabinet secretary responsible for this segment.
The council noted the impact on both the local community and the affected business, with efforts made to aid Wilson and Bay Coffee Club during this trying period. The legal processes involved in such situations are complex and time-consuming, but the council assured that necessary steps were taken to resolve the disruption. The car park has since been cleaned and reopened to the public.
In a broader context, the issue underscores the insufficient availability of transit accommodation for nomadic people in Wales. The Welsh Government is urged to address this shortage, with only two transit Gypsy and Traveller sites currently operational in the entire country. Jane Hutt, cabinet secretary for social justice, emphasised the need for more such sites, as Travelling Ahead highlighted the lack of options for nomadic families.
The Gypsy and Traveller accommodation assessment revealed shortcomings in Newport council’s provision for Travellers before 2021. While progress has been made with the approval of a residential site, catering to permanent settlements, the transient nature of some communities necessitates better access to temporary accommodation. The council’s commitment to supporting affected businesses like Wilson and Bay Coffee Club is commendable amidst these challenges.
Overall, the incident at Christchurch viewpoint serves as a microcosm of the broader issues faced by the Traveller community in Wales, prompting calls for improved accommodation facilities and support for nomadic lifestyles. With collaboration between authorities and community stakeholders, solutions can be sought to address the accommodation needs of all residents, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in housing provisions.