Travellers set up camp near international pool

TRAVELLERS have moved onto a patch of land in Cardiff Bay.

A witness said they saw about seven caravans being towed onto a patch of empty land at Olympian Drive near the Cardiff International Pool at about 7pm on Wednesday.

The group remained at the site, which is just off Empire Way, yesterday, when more than a dozen caravans were spotted at the site.

The patch of land is currently cordoned off with wire fencing.

A spokeswoman for Cardiff council said the authority is aware of the “unauthorised encampment”.

She said: “The council has an unauthorised encampment protocol in place which includes various agencies who assist when unauthorised encampments occur in the city.

“We are aware of the encampment in Cardiff Bay and this process has been initiated.

“Officers have attended the site and reported their findings back to the co-ordinator who has initiated the correct proceedings to resolve the matter.”

A South Wales Police spokesman said they had received reports of a group of travellers accessing land on Olympian Drive, Grangetown at around 7.30pm on Wednesday.

He added: “Officers attended the scene and have informed the local authority who own the land, and will have regular police patrols in the area.”