Update 6pm

TRAVELLERS have begun to leave the Newport International Sports Village (NISV) after legal proceedings were started to remove them from the site.

Chief executive of Newport Live Steve Ward has said his colleagues are now on standby as they have been told the travellers will have gone by tonight.

He said: “They told us earlier that they are about to leave.

“Five have just left after hitching up their vans but no one else looks ready to leave.

“My colleagues are on standby by the gates.”

It is understood eight caravans have now left the site.

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LEGAL proceedings have now begun to remove the travellers who returned to Newport International Sports Village (NISV) at the end of last week.

The travellers returned to the site on Friday, having been moved on once already earlier last week, as Team GB's Olympic cyclists began their pre-Rio training camp at the Velodrome.

Newport Live’s chief executive Steve Ward said this morning that no problems had been caused over the weekend, but confirmed that legal proceedings have begun.

“We are currently starting legal proceedings and have requested a warrant," he said.

“There have been no problems caused on the site and now a warrant has been requested the travellers may move in the next few days.”

Mr Ward estimated that around 30 to 40 parking spaces at the Newport Stadium car park were taken up by occupying travellers ahead of the weekend, but said other parking remained available.

"We've got an agreement with the travellers on how they will behave while they remain on the site," he added.

"It's very frustrating because we're trying to run a business for local people but we've had fantastic support from Newport City Council and Gwent Police," he added.

Newport City Council have also been contacted for comment today, but said on Friday: "Newport City Council seeks to treat both residents and all visitors to city fairly, and expects the same consideration in return.

"Newport does not currently have an official transit site for travellers passing through the city to use. That said, it is also not acceptable for private or publicly owned land to be illegally occupied, especially when it is subsequently left in a state of disrepair or blighted with refuse.

"The council will continue to work with land owners and Gwent Police whenever land is illegally occupied by travellers, and it would appeal to the travelling community to treat land in Newport with respect.

"We encourage all travellers to procure the relevant civic services from the council when staying in and leaving the city."