Two Bradford councillors want emergency powers introduced so the Council can deal with gypsies the instant they invade its land.

The call from Odsal councillors Gordon Johnson and Susan Dewdney came after travellers took over playing fields next to the Sedbergh Youth Club near Odsal Top.

Despite pleas from Odsal police and Coun Dewdney in person, around 60 to 70 caravans and Ford Transit vans remained on the site in Huddersfield Road, Low Moor, until yesterday evening.

Coun Johnson, who is an Odsal ward councillor, believes the Council needs more power so officers can act instantly when a situation like this occurs.

He said: "A rugby match could not be played on the pitch on Saturday because it was full of caravans and a cricket and five-a-side football game have also been cancelled this weekend because of this invasion.

"The gypsies got into the field after a gate was removed just before 5pm on Friday. The Council was hamstrung because they couldn't get to the courts before Monday.

"This left the gypsies on the site all weekend. Some of the lads have been driving around showing off in their vans and ruining the grass.

"The Council needs more powers so it can intervene immediately and clear the site. I shall be tabling this at next Council meeting."

One middle aged gypsy, who did not want to be named, said the group meant "nobody any harm" and said they had nowhere else to go.

Club manager Arnold Butterfield said the gypsies would only become "someone else's problem" after they abandoned the site at around 4pm yesterday.

He said: "It's vicious circle. I think what the Council needs is a permanent order which bans gypsies settling on their land and allows them to evict them immediately if they do.

"There's superficial damage to the turf from the drivers and they've had a bonfire in the centre of one of the football pitches.

"I also caught some young lads from the site breaking into the club on Saturday night. I'm delighted they've gone but we're just waiting for the Council to clear up the mess."