'Travellers' site next to Amazon hitting businesses' - Neath Port Talbot

From the South Wales Evening Post

A NEW Travellers' site next to Amazon's Fabian Way base is already damaging local businesses, an Assembly Member has claimed.

AM Peter Black called on the Welsh Government to take immediate action to remove the Travellers from the land and said he had already been contacted by residents — and workers at the internet giant's warehouse — worried about the site.

A total of 12 caravans have now moved onto an area of land, which is owned by the Welsh Government, in Jersey Marine.

"This encampment is disrupting local businesses," said Mr Black, AM for South Wales West.

"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.

"These caravans belong on an official site — not here. I have asked the minister responsible to take out an injunction to have them removed as soon as possible."

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 Travellers' arrival has provoked a reaction on thisissouthwales — the Evening Post's website.

One reader wrote: "It's the law of the land that needs to be changed, or at least the process speeded up.

"They use the law courts to their advantage to delay their removal by lodging appeal after appeal."

Another said: "I can see no good reason for spending public money to provide them with the services they demand when they don't pay their way."

The Post visited the Travellers' site yesterday, but no one there wished to comment.

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