CARAVANS that arrived on busy playing fields at the weekend have started to leave - but the council will continue to monitor the area.

Travellers set up camp on Woodhall Playing Fields, off Woodhall Lane near Calverley and Pudsey, on Sunday evening, according to Councillor Amanda Carter (Calverley and Farsley, Con).

Serious concerns were raised by Cllr Carter and Leeds City Council about the fact the pitches are heavily used and a number of football games are scheduled to take place this weekend.

A spokesperson for the local authority confirmed on Tuesday it had applied to the courts for a possession order.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Caravans set up on Woodhall Playing Fields, near Calverley and Pudsey, on May 18Caravans set up on Woodhall Playing Fields, near Calverley and Pudsey, on May 18

The hearing is due to take place next Friday and an order put in place would give up to 14 days or 28 days for the travellers to leave.

Leeds City Council decided to push ahead with a Section 61 emergency police removal application, due to the urgency of the situation, which would allow officers to force the travellers to leave immediately.

But this was rejected, with police feeling those powers would not be necessary or proportionate.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Caravans set up on Woodhall Playing Fields, near Calverley and Pudsey, on May 18Caravans set up on Woodhall Playing Fields, near Calverley and Pudsey, on May 18

However, Leeds City Council confirmed last night, that some of the caravans have left the playing fields.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “The Council is aware of and has visited this encampment - the vehicles are on Council-owned land and we have applied to the courts for a possession order with the hearing taking place on Friday, May 27.

"A number of caravans have now vacated the site with more leaving imminently, however, we will continue to seek possession should any occupants remain.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Caravans set up on Woodhall Playing Fields, near Calverley and Pudsey, on May 18Caravans set up on Woodhall Playing Fields, near Calverley and Pudsey, on May 18

"A request has been made by the Local Authority to the police to use their immediate powers to evict under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice Public Order Act and this has been declined however this will remain under frequent review and assessment.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with local ward members, police and the local community.”

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