Travellers have taken over coffee shop car park with ‘terrible’ caravans – we’re making no money but we refuse to shut
Date: 2024-10-21ANGRY residents have been left out of pocket after travellers took over their coffee shop car park.
The illegal encampment left Wilson + Bay Coffee Club earning “£0 per day” when their nearby car park became inaccessible.
Jonathon Hill who runs the shop at the Christchurch Viewpoint in Newport, Gwent, was fuming when he realised the new state of the neighbouring plot.
However, he has not let that affect his attitude to work, calling for people to not be afraid and continue using his business as normal.
He said: “If you can continue to keep buying those lattes, it sends such a strong message to the new residents of the area.
“This area is for the people of St Julians, it is a public area and we need to disrupt this flow which is likely not going to go away today.
“I can’t give an answer on how long this situation will last.
“We are going to ride it out for as long as we can but we have had to change our opening hours, while making little to no money at all.”
In a bid to keep the business afloat and to repair some damages made to the viewpoint Jonathan has started a fundraising page.
“Lots of our regulars have asked me to set a donations page up, based on the fact many want to visit to support our Christchurch Viewpoint store at present but really do not want to due to the current encampment on site.
“This is something we completely understand,” he said.
“Our main focus right now is to not have to close, look after our team and be able to afford enough to keep enough staff on and maintain their hours of work,” he added.
“We’re remaining open to show a united front yet the environment remains challenging to trade from.
“In the background, we’re doing everything we can do to support our team. Ensuring no lone working, coaching, guidance on how to deal with the challenges we’re facing daily.
“My team are showing immense resilience and even in this situation, they are trying to show respect and patience.”
Local walkers, named only as Gareth and Sharon say their daily trip to the coffee shop have been “essential” for them.
Sharon said: “It’s such a shame for the business; for Jonathan and the staff here, who are good as gold.
“We both love coming here for a coffee in the morning, it gets us out and about. The way they have taken over the site is terrible, honestly it is such a shame.”
Newport City Council has been approached for comment but has previously said: “We are currently working with Gwent Police and other partners and taking all appropriate steps in line with the legal process.
“We recognise the impact on the local businesses and the public and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The Sun has also approached Gwent Police for comment.
