Traveller camp leaves hospital

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board says it will now be taking legal proceedings to take back possession of the car park at Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.

It says it had asked a group of travellers from France, who have parked caravans in a section of the staff car park, to leave by 4pm today - but they are still on site.

Health bosses in Newport say they have asked a group of travellers who have blocked staff car park spaces at the Royal Gwent Hospital to leave by 4pm today - or they will begin legal proceedings.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: "Following advice given by our legal advisers, the Health Board yesterday issued letters to the travellers requesting that they vacate the site by 4:00pm today."

"If this does not happen, as advised we will move to the next stage in the process which is to commence legal proceedings."

Doctors and emergency staff have been turned away from their own hospital after a group of travellers moved in. Hundreds of NHS workers were blocked from parking at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport after the French travellers set up camp in the staff car park.

Surgeons, doctors and nurses were turned away after 14 caravans moved onto the staff-designated car park. Hospital spokesman Julian Hayman said the 300-space car park would be closed to staff for three days after the travellers told them they will "move on shortly".

Mr Hayman said medical staff would need to make alternative arrangements for parking until the caravans moved on.

Newport City Council said the creation of permanent sites for gypsies and travellers in the region went out to consultation last month and the final version of the plan will go before full council later this year