Travellers take over school playing fields with more than a dozen caravans and threaten staff - forcing them to cancel sports day and PE classes

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 12:58, 10 July 2026 | Updated: 12:59, 10 July 2026 A group of travellers in more than a dozen caravans have descended on a school playing field, forcing teachers to cancel sports day and PE lessons. At least fourteen caravans have arrived and set up an 'unauthorised encampment' on the field used by Caldicot Comprehensive School in Caldicot, south Wales. Students and staff at the 1,300-pupil school have allegedly been subject to threats by some of those parked up on the grass. The caravans - which have been in-situ for more than a week - have meant outdoor PE lessons and a planned sports day for the school have been cancelled. The sports day had been due to take place on Wednesday, and has been provisionally moved to next week - although the school says it is unlikely even this will go ahead.  A school spokesperson said: 'The encampment is located on Monmouthshire County Council grounds which are shared between us at the school and Caldicot Leisure Centre. 'We use this field for athletics and rugby. It is correct that this caused our sports day to be cancelled. 'It has provisionally been rescheduled for next Wednesday providing they have left with sufficient time for a full clean-up to take place. However currently, this is not looking likely. At least fourteen caravans have arrived and set up an 'unauthorised encampment' on the field used by Caldicot Comprehensive School in Caldicot, south Wales Students and staff at the 1,300-pupil school have allegedly been subject to threats by some of those parked up on the grass The caravans - which have been in-situ for more than a week - have meant outdoor PE lessons and a planned sports day for the school have been cancelled 'We have experienced other elements of disruption, including trespassing, and threatening behaviour towards staff and pupils.' Monmouthshire Council has said it is taking action but has to follow a legal process and Welsh Government guidance. Monmouthshire Council leader Mary Ann Brocklesby said: 'The council has been taking a robust and coordinated approach from day one and I totally 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.' Cllr Brocklesby said: 'Our focus is on resolving the situation within the law while learning any lessons that can strengthen our response in the 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.' Local Labour councillor, Tony Easson said: 'They shouldn't be there and we don't know what damage it is causing to the ground and it will cost a fair bit to clean up after them. 'The council has tried to find a permanent transit site for people to use.'