A group of travellers who had set up an unauthorised encampment on the lower fields of Risca Leisure Centre have now moved on, local councillors have confirmed.
The site, which sits on council-owned land in Risca, Caerphilly, had been occupied without permission in recent days, causing concern among local residents and those who use the leisure centre facilities.
Local councillors confirmed the fields are now clear and the situation has been resolved, though no details have been given about how the travellers were moved on or where they have gone.
Unauthorised encampments on public land are a recurring issue across Wales, often putting councils in a difficult position. Local authorities have legal powers to direct travellers to leave council-owned land, but the process can take time and usually involves formal notices being served before any enforcement action can follow.
Risca Leisure Centre is a well-used community facility in the Caerphilly county borough, and the encampment on its lower fields had raised questions about access and the condition of the land once vacated.
Councillors have not yet commented on whether any damage was caused to the fields during the encampment or whether any clean-up operation will be needed before the area is fully back in use for the public.
The news will come as a relief to regular visitors to the leisure centre and local families who use the outdoor space, particularly as the warmer months bring more people out to green spaces across the area.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has not yet released a formal statement on the matter.
About time honestly. Took way too long to sort that out, always the same story innit. Hope the place gets cleaned up properly now and locals can actually use it again.