Residents appeal for action over Travellers next to Amazon in Jersey Marine - Neath Port Talbot

From The South Wales Evening Post

RESIDENTS are calling on the authorities to take swift action to move on Travellers who have set up home next to Amazon.

Around 12 caravans have moved on to an area of land which is owned by the Welsh Government in Jersey Marine.

Neath Port Talbot Council said that because the land was owned by the Welsh Government, they did not feel it was their responsibility and would not be taking any action.

But residents in Crymlyn Burrows are appealing for help from the local authority.

"We'd like the council to take swift action and move them out of our area before any more show up," said a resident who did not want to be named.

"It doesn't surprise me at all that Neath Port Talbot Council have chosen to pass the buck.

"It does not surprise me that they will not assist local residents and businesses.

"However, I'm sure they'll take notice if their proposed university campus is affected by the Travellers."

Readers have also left their opinions on our website.

One said: "It is an entirely inappropriate use for this land, which is earmarked for future business development, not least because there are no facilities in place to support the travellers, such as sewage and refuse collection."

A local business owner also left a comment which said: "I am also, very unhappy about this.

"The area was starting to look promising as far as regeneration goes and this is a step backwards."

Coedffranc councillor Harry Bebell said he sympathised with the residents.

"They can't just dump themselves anywhere they see fit," he said. "They are trespassing. Something has to be done for the sake of the local residents."

A spokesman for the Welsh Government said: "We are aware of the encampment on Welsh Government land in Jersey Marine.

"Any action on that site will be in line with the protocols and guidelines of existing Welsh Government guidance, with consideration given to the fact that the two gypsy and traveller sites in Neath Port Talbot are full."

The council's head of property and regeneration Gareth Nutt said: "The Travellers at Fabian Way are located on Welsh Government land. The council has had contact with the Welsh Government about the situation and understand that as landowners the matter is in Welsh Government's hands."

The Post visited the site on Tuesday, but no-one there wished to comment.