Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, provides an update on the unauthorised encampment at Caldicot Leisure Centre

I wanted to provide an update on the unauthorised encampment at Caldicot Leisure Centre and reassure residents that the Council has been taking a robust and coordinated approach from day one.

I completely understand the frustration felt by local residents, Leisure Centre users and the wider community. Many people understandably ask why the Council can’t simply move the encampment on immediately. The reality is that there are a series of steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that the correct legal and safeguarding processes are followed.

When an unauthorised encampment is established, we follow a legal process supported by Welsh Government guidance. That means carrying out welfare checks, gathering evidence, assessing the impact on the site and local community, and then taking the appropriate legal steps available to us. We cannot bypass those stages, no matter how strong the local concerns may be.

Throughout this incident, our officers have been working closely with local Cllrs, Caldicot Comprehensive School, businesses and sports clubs as well as Gwent Police to progress that process as quickly and responsibly as possible.

We remain in regular contact with local councillors, and we will continue to keep residents informed. Our focus is on resolving the situation within the law, while learning any lessons that can strengthen our response in future.

We remain committed to ensuring our public spaces and community assets are protected for the use of residents and visitors to use in a positive way.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this process.

Previous updates: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/2026/07/statement-unauthorised-encampment-caldicot/