Bradford Council is taking legal action to evict a group of travellers from land in Bradford.

The travellers are occupying a car park off Burnett Street, Little Germany, and businesses located nearby have spoken of the mixed experiences they have had with them.

A spokesman for City Training Services on Chapel Street said: “They are the same group that came last year. The car park is out of action for staff here. No one can park in there while they are in there.

“People have been seen urinating in the alleys and litter is accumulating.

“Traffic wardens have been told they can’t put tickets on their vehicles. Why is it that travellers seem completely above the law?”

It is believed the travellers arrived on Tuesday. Police said they had not had any incidents reported to them.

They said they will continue to carry out their regular patrols in that area.

John Major, Bradford Council’s assistant director environmental health and regulatory services, said: “We are aware of the travellers on the land at Burnett Street and have started legal proceedings to get them to move on as soon as possible.”

Steven Mawson, a chef at The Oasis Sandwich Shop, Newcastle House, said: “They haven’t been there that long and they only stay for a week.

“They are the same people who came last year and they’ve been no bother at all.”

Joanne and Robin Smith, of Texere Yarn, on Barkerend Road, said they did did not believe the travellers had affected their business although they were aware of them.

Mr Smith said: “I don’t know what the answer is. Maybe the Council should relax parking around the streets to give us all a chance to park.”