Ilkley police have shown they are not prepared to accept open displays of homosexuality in the town's public toilets.

A number of arrests have been made following a recent swoop on the Riverside Gardens toilets.

Inspector Alison Bennett said officers had made arrests for acts of importunity in the toilets.

She said: "This is a situation which will not be tolerated. We have to have a situation where children are able to use the toilets safely in the Riverside Gardens area.

"I myself have been contacted by one gentleman who wanted to take his grandson to the toilet down there but was too disgusted by what he saw." Insp Bennett said the lack of toilet facilities in Ilkley made it difficult for parents to find alternative sites.

"Children are not encouraged to enter licensed premises of course," said Insp Bennett.

Coun Alec Henderson (Con, Ben Rhydding), chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, said: "I am pleased that some positive action has been taken by the police."

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