The former Lord Mayor of Bradford today made an impassioned plea for rubbish dumpers to stop blighting a beauty spot.

Stanley King, who also holds the title of Lord of the Manor of Heaton, appealed for people to report dumpers depositing waste illegally at Long Lane.

The spot next to Shay Grange Golf Club is blighted by rubbish including old carpets, televisions, lawn mowers, fast-food containers, broken glass, used contraceptives and syringes.

Councillor King, 71, said the area is becoming a breeding ground for rats.

Coun King bought his Lord of the Manor title 40 years ago this September to save it from demise.

He has witnessed changes in the area over the last four decades and said he is saddened by the current state of what used to be a picturesque beauty spot.

"What makes me most angry is that there is no need for this desecration," he said.

"There is an authorised dumping ground less than a mile away at Wagon Lane, Bingley.

"I don't understand why anyone would be lazy enough not to travel the extra mile to preserve our environment.

"It is up to us to help the Council put a stop to this and I would urge anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to contact them."

A Bradford Council cleansing spokesman said officers carried out regular checks of the area.

"The Council is setting up an enforcement unit to deal with fly tipping incidents," he said.

"People caught dumping illegally can be fined up to £2,000.

"We would urge anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to report it to us on (01274) 431000."

Steve Stalk, owner of Shay Grange golf club, said his business was suffering because of the dumping.

"I have been reporting incidents of tipping and prostitution for a long time now and still nothing is being done. Our club is used by people of all ages and young children are being put at risk," he said.

West Yorkshire Police Community Safety Officer Sergeant Paul Hepworth said: "I am not aware of any serious problems relating to prostitution or drugs.

"However, if anyone witnesses such an incident they should report it to us immediately on (01274) 376059."