ILKLEY’S MP Robbie Moore has said that the presence of travellers on the town’s riverside park is “completely unacceptable”.

Mr Moore, the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, went to West Holmes Field at the weekend to view the encampment for himself and has reported the travellers to both West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council.

(Image: Robbie Moore MP)

Posting a live video on social media from the riverside, Mr Moore said he had seen fires being lit, horse droppings across the site, and damage to the wild flower area laid by the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Park.

The park, popular with families in Ilkley, has also seen travellers "driving vehicles and racing horses”, Mr Moore said.

West Yorkshire Police said they were "aware of this matter" and have been patrolling the area.

(Image: Robbie Moore MP)

Mr Moore said: “Unfortunately, we’ve got travellers back again in Ilkley, in various locations.

“The mess which they have already caused, just in the last day or so via camp fires and horse manure is completely unacceptable.

“I am also aware that they are driving vehicles and racing horses along the grassed riverside area where many young families would normally be playing. They are also making it difficult for anyone to use the skatepark.

“As I have said before, it is completely unfair for local residents to put up this and to be left with the consequences and damage when the Travellers move on - which is all to be picked up at taxpayers expense.

“I will continue to raise this with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police.”

(Image: Robbie Moore MP)

One local resident commented on Mr Moore’s Facebook page: "They should all be charged three months’ council tax on immediate arrival or wheel clamp all the vehicles.

“It’s not fair they travel round the UK and pay nothing, leave and cause so much rubbish we have to pay. When they leave after a few days they get 70% of their money back or not if they leave mess the council has to clean up. It’s high time this issue was addressed.”

Another said: "They will continue to come every year no matter what you do. And if it’s not Ilkley it will be Burley or Addingham. The council could provide them with loo and bins?”

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Neighbourhood policing team officers are aware of this matter and have been conducting patrols over the weekend.

"We continue to liaise with partners at Bradford Council."

A spokesperson for Bradford Council added: "We have received reports of this unauthorised traveller encampment.

"One of our officers has visited the site to assess the situation and we have begun legal proceedings to enable us to regain possession of the land."

Mr Moore thanked everyone who had contacted him to tell him about the travellers when they arrived, and he said that he had immediately got in touch with the police and Bradford Council.

He said: “They have informed me that they are going to do their best to get the travellers to move on.”