Newport City Council has allocated more than £500,000 of taxpayer funds for security measures at the Ellen Ridge traveller site, which has three residential pitches. The expenditure, totaling £538,000, covers security guards, dogs, and alarms. Welsh Conservatives have called for an explanation regarding the 'astonishing sum' and whether it represents 'value for money'.
In 2025, the council issued a contract for security services at the site, inviting bids from qualified providers to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of residents. The contract specified that the site would require 24/7 security, including regular perimeter checks and conflict de-escalation, while engaging respectfully with residents.
The Ellen Ridge site has been associated with past scandals, including a puppy-selling ring that led to the imprisonment of six members of the McDonagh family in 2024 for animal welfare offenses. The family had been ordered to leave the site in 2021 after being deemed trespassers. A judge indicated that the council should consider relocating the family within the site instead of evicting them entirely.
Welsh Senedd member Natasha Asghar expressed concerns over the security costs, stating that taxpayers deserve clarity on the necessity of such expenses and the companies involved. She also highlighted ongoing issues with anti-social behavior in Newport's city center, advocating for increased funding to address these problems.
A Newport City Council spokesperson emphasized the council's legal obligation to assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and provide suitable sites when necessary. They noted that discussing specific security arrangements would not be appropriate. The council also stated that the funding for security at the traveller site and anti-social behavior initiatives come from different budgets. This year, the council invested £350,000 in safety measures for the city center, including upgrading the CCTV system and hiring an additional warden.