YOUNG tearaways holding late night parties are thought to be responsible for piles of rubbish and broken glass in Myddleton Woods.

Groups of young people have been congregating in a clearing of the woods - and have left behind a trail of destruction.

Miggy Bailey, left, clerk of Ilkley Parish Council, said the woods had been left with an appalling legacy of their parties. She said: "It is just unbelievable. They have been leaving rubbish and broken glass. There is a black bin liner full of stuff and there is one pile of just cans and bottles. It's a real mess."

The youngsters even went so far as to remove seats from Olicana Cricket Field and carry them off to the woods - leaving them among the piles of debris.

Fires have also been made in the dry clearing and it is thought that people have been camping there.

Mrs Bailey, who walks her dog in the woods, said: "It looks like a number of people have been here over a length of time. People have gone and had fires there."

Mrs Bailey is hoping to alert parents to the meeting place - which could be dangerous.

She said: "We need to bring this to the attention of parents. It needs highlighting. Have your children been camping in Myddleton Woods? This is the rubbish they are leaving. Parents are not aware."

There are also fears that the broken glass could present a dangerous hazard to wildlife.

Mrs Bailey said: "Animals live there. We have five deer in that part of the woods and dogs running through there could cut their feet."

David House, chairman of Olicana Cricket Club, said: "It is a bit infantile. The seats are there for the public to watch cricket. What can you do without cementing them into the ground?"

A spokesman for Bradford City Council said as soon as it had been made aware of the problem a forester was asked to investigate the matter and clear up any litter on the scene. (24-11-AH)

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