A GROUP of  travellers have taken up an unauthorised occupation of Barry Island's busiest car park.

Just days after traders breathed a sigh of relief at the announcement that parking on Barry Island would revert to being free of charge for the winter season, several traveller vehicles have set up home in Nell's Point car park.

Visitors to the Island are currently unable to access the car park, while council staff work to repair damage to the gates and prevent further unauthorised entry.

Five caravans moved into the site without authorisation in the early hours of this morning (Friday, October 9). A Vale council spokesman said that police officers and Vale of Glamorgan council workers discovered on arrival that the main access gate which was locked had been damaged and one of the hinges broken.

To attempt to prevent any further unauthorised access, the gates are being repaired and will remain closed with a council vehicle preventing access during the day.

A spokesman for the Vale of Glamorgan said that they, in conjunction with South Wales Police have advised the travellers that their occupation of the car park is unauthorised and are working to address the situation.

The spokesman said: "In line with the legal process that the Council is required to follow we are making arrangements for a representative from Gypsy and Travellers Wales to attend the site as soon as possible and undertake the necessary welfare assessments.

"The travellers have already been advised that their occupation at the site is unauthorised. In this regard discussions with the travellers are ongoing.

"We are currently taking all appropriate action and will be working with the South Wales Police and Gypsy and Travellers Wales and to ensure the situation is addressed as quickly as possible. Regular updates will be provided."

South Wales police confirmed that their officers were called to the site and that the matter was then referred to the local authority.