A GROUP of residents who claim gypsies left a trail of destruction at an Ilkley beauty spot have called for a bylaw to prevent overnight parking.

Travellers make an annual stop at the stepping stones on Denton Road (now Carter's Lane), near Middleton Woods, between May and August.

Assessing the damage and debris they left behind, residents say they are determined to make this their last visit.

It is thought that gas canisters and what appear to be leaking chemical drums could have been dumped by the gipsies in the river.

Trees and fences where they tethered 19 horses have also been damaged - to the cost of landowners.

One resident said: "Right from the stepping stones down, it is just junk. Our fence has been pulled down. We are supposed to be putting our cows in this week but we will have to wait to have it fixed."

Yards of horse manure - and it is feared human waste - also cover the riverbank, which is a traditional picnic spot. There are also reports of fly tipping.

Ian Roe, a senior officer at the Environment Agency, met with residents and was given a tour of the polluted spot. Mr Roe said he supported the idea of a bylaw and the introduction of signs to prevent the travellers' return.

He said: "The introduction of a bylaw and signs has worked in Castley, near Otley. We have had no reported pollution or fly tipping in recent memory."

He also said that he was hoping to prosecute the travellers over a reported incidence of fly tipping.

The land was bought by Ilkley Angling Association last year. Barry Moore, the president of the association, who was also at the meeting, said that he fully upheld the idea of a bylaw but the association did not have the funds to obtain one.

He said: "It was one of our main intentions when we purchased the land and the fishing rights that the council would be able to implement a local bylaw." Mr Moore also suggested placing boulders or logs at the site to prevent parking.