Emergency powers to enable the Council to move travellers on when they camp illegally on public land are long overdue. There surely will be plenty of public support for the two Odsal councillors who are urging new measures to allow council officers to act instantly rather than have to go through the present cumbersome procedure.

The current process, under which the authority has to apply for a court order every time a park, playing field or car park is invaded by travellers with their caravans, is far too drawn-out and costly. The subsequent clean-up of land which has been occupied for several days by travellers can also be an expensive burden on the council taxpayers.

As the process drags on, land is damaged by vehicles and there is disruption to legitimate activities like the rugby, cricket and five-a-side football matches which had to be cancelled at the weekend because the playing fields next to Sedbergh Youth Club near Odsal Top were occupied by up to 70 caravans and vans.

It is only a few weeks since a similar invasion took place at Peel Park, mere days before the Mela was due to open.

Unless it is tackled firmly, this problem is likely to become worse as alternative pockets of spare land, which used to attract the illegal campers, are progressively gobbled up for house building.

Bradford has done its duty by the travellers by providing official sites. It should not have to tolerate this abuse of facilities which are funded by council taxpayers for the benefit of the residents of the district.