BRADFORD Council has started the legal process to move Travellers off Ilkley's riverside park. 

The "unauthorised encampment" is on West Holmes Field in the town.

Robbie Moore, the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, went to the park over the weekend to view the encampment for himself and said he has raised the issue with both West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council.

(Image: Robbie Moore MP)

Posting a live video on social media from the riverside, Mr Moore claimed he had seen fires being lit, horse droppings across the site, and damage to the wildflower 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 claimed. 

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 campfires 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)

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

The spokesperson added: "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.”