Anger over Nato protestor peace camp

Plans for an anti-Nato "peace camp" on playing fields in Newport has angered residents who insist they have been given no say on the protest event.

The No Nato Newport group will gather on council-owned land next to Pill Millennium Centre from 27 August.

Local people fear the camp could be a focus for trouble - and could see a widely used park damaged beyond use.

Newport council said the group had a right to protest and it was taking steps to mitigate disruption.

The peace camp is expected to run until the weekend after the conference at the Celtic Manor Resort from 3-5 September.

'Not suitable'

Newport council has agreed to source toilets, water, waste and cleaning supplies, but it is not yet clear who will pay for them.

Residents say they know little about the protestors' plans and are worried their tent pitches will put the field out of action for the rest of the year.

Sally Wallace, who lives near the park, said: "The problem is we are going to have large amounts of people down here - people are not going to be able to use the fields.

"The ground itself isn't really suitable for a large group of campers."

Pill resident Debra Scarpato is worried about the disruption the camp could cause

Debra Scarpato said people were also concerned the camp could attract demonstrations from opposition groups, which could lead to trouble.

"There's been so many things going around Pill and feelings are getting high and it might get out of control," she said.

"That's my worry, that people are going to come down here and start problems."

'Commitment'

Council representatives have met protesters and residents to discuss what might be provided at the camp, what restrictions will be in place, and what will be expected of those using it.

But a spokeswoman insisted the authority was not giving the group permission to use the fields.

"While we recognise that people have a legitimate right to protest, we understand the concerns of residents about the playing fields which are widely used by the community so the council is working with partner agencies and taking steps to mitigate the potential impact," the spokeswoman said.

"We met with community representatives to discuss the situation but must emphasise it is being created by the protestors, not the council, so it was not a consultation.

"The council has certainly not given a 'commitment' to hold a peace camp in Pill."

Residents will hold a public meeting at Pill Millennium Centre at 20:00 BST on Tuesday to discuss the camp plans.