A community of travellers have set up an unauthorised encampment on Council-owned land in Newport this week, prompting immediate investigation by the local authority.
A number of caravans and associated vehicles have suddenly appeared at Seaclose Park, which has recently been cleared and reopened following this year’s Isle of Wight Festival.
The rare Isle of Wight incursion has caused high alert for members of the public and Council officials, who were alerted to the situation yesterday (Monday).
Members of the local community, including those who use the park recreationally, have contacted Island Echo to raise concerns.
A vehicle seemingly used for tree-cutting services – not pictured – has prompted further concern.
The Isle of Wight Council has today (Tuesday) confirmed its intentions regarding the camp, which currently stands at 5 caravans.
Council officers are due to attend the site under their agreed protocol for managing unauthorised encampments, with many departments – including children’s services, trading standards and environmental health – all involved.
Island Echo understands that officers will undertake welfare assessments and assess the relevant legislation as well as work closely with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and relevant Council services.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has told Island Echo:
“The Isle of Wight Council is aware of an unauthorised encampment which arrived at Seaclose Park on 6th July 2026.
“The Council will carefully assess the circumstances of the encampment, including any welfare considerations, the impact on local residents and park users, and the options available to us under the relevant legislation.
“We understand that local people may have concerns and will continue to monitor the situation while taking proportionate action in line with our legal responsibilities and established procedures.
Freeloading trash who cause damage everywhere they stop, they contribute nothing to society and cost local taxpayers a fortune to get rid of and then clean up after them.
I totally agree, Kick them out now before the whole place is filled with the parasites. This is not good, the council needs to get them out and put them on ferries, If not the police we don’t want them here?? Go somewhere else get off of our island you are not welcome.
Good luck getting them moved on.
Having lived in a town were we had a lot of the camps pop up, the mess inc human waste they leave behind.
Be careful when they start moving off looking for some where new to pitch up….
You’re spot on. Another reason why the fixed link is a bad idea.
instead of pandering to them – remove them – one way or another
So would the council be so quick to react had they pitched up anywhere else on the Island.
I think not.
I hope they apply this standard of reaction if this happens on someone’s private land in the future and send in all the services that has been summond on this occasion.
Probably the same people that tried to get me to have them quote me for work on my hedges. Beware of these people!
This is not looking good ♂️
Simple go in tow the filth out..scum all on benefits for life..
Fine Wightlink or Red Funnel for bringing them over.
So the council needs several different departments, god knows how many meetings before they go and assess the situation. This is precisely why nothing gets done quickly, if at all when these situations arise. If it is not a registered camp site then they are there illegally.
Remember the five ‘P’s’ Procedures, Protocols and Procrastination Prevent Progress.
Last time this happened we saw lorry loads of builders waste being dumped and trenches dug at any gap big enough for a caravan, and much of it remains today, but rest assured, if they can get in without damage, you have to jump through some hoops to get shut. There will be ‘travellers’ driving round making notes of available fields they can invade, and woe betide anyone thinking it cant happen to them.