A LOCAL community has rallied round after large piles of rubbish and human waste were left in a park where travellers had been set-up for the past week.

Around 30 caravans turned up on Moorend Park, in Cleckheaton, last Tuesday (July 27).

The arrival of the travellers caused outrage among the local community, with residents raising concerns about what they might face once the caravans left.

Their worst fears were confirmed just under a week later when the caravans made their move, believed to be on Monday.

The T&A visited the park on Tuesday morning and found piles of rubbish and even human waste, littered across the playing fields.

There were broken fence panels, a large mound of bricks, a wheelbarrow and a mountain of waste foliage.

But a number of residents have stepped in to try resolve the situation and bring the park back to the green, clean open space they know and love.

Amanda Spencer gave a shout-out to her neighbour on a Facebook community group for the area, for picking up rubbish from the park.

Several other people commented on the post to say they were inspired by the neighbour's actions.

Mrs Spencer said: "I made the post because I wanted my neighbour to be recognised for her hard work.

"She and another man were there a good three hours picking up all the smaller rubbish and placing them into bags, and putting it to one side.

"The area is disgusting how it has been left.

"When they arrived, I was with my little boy, who has autism, we live opposite the park.

"He was terrified and very worried about all the people and caravans and cars and vans that where pulling into the park.

"When they left yesterday (Monday), the mess and rubbish and garden waste they had left was shocking.

"It's like they don't care about the local people who enjoy the park - children and dog walkers, the children and adults who have football practice and matches on a weekend."

Liversedge Juniors FC were left distraught last week when they heard the news that travellers had arrived on the pitch.

It compounded an already frustrating situation for the club, who were forced to leave their original home, at Mann Dam, earlier this year after it was wrecked by quad-bikes.

Tina Hardy, Club Secretary, said the important thing now is to erect new fencing to prevent this situation happening again.

She added: "They need proper metal fencing, not too high.

"It's better for residents too, rather than looking at that cheap fencing that was up and easily taken down, as proven by the travellers."

Mrs Spencer feels "very sad and frustrated" for the youngsters who have already had a torrid time over the past 18 months.

She said: "A lot of children haven't been able to play in matches or practice because of restrictions and lockdowns.

"They had just all started up again and at the start of the summer holidays.

"Not only have they had to cancel, but now have to wait for the field to be cleared."

The T&A contacted Kirklees Council for comment, but it did not respond in time.