Furious residents have been left to cope with the aftermath of a gipsy camp next to their homes.

Travellers have left a trail of damage, litter and human waste at Knowles Lane recreation ground, Holme Wood, Bradford, after being forced to move on under threat of council eviction today.

The ground, known locally as the Rec, was occupied by around 30 caravans over the bank holiday weekend.

A court order forcing the travellers to move on was requested by council officers on Friday.

One concerned resident, who did not wished to be named, said: "The state they have left the ground in is totally disgusting. There are piles and piles of rubbish and human waste all over the place.

"The bowling green has been used as a toilet and you cannot see the bottom of the children's play park for rubbish.

"The smell in the evening is unbelievable. It's like living next door to a sewage works."

Parents on the estate will no longer allow their children out to play on the ground. Tong councillor John Ruding, said: "I agree totally with the residents. This is not the first time that my ward has been subjected to this problem. We cannot allow our community's recreational facilities to be constantly spoilt in this way. It is not acceptable."

Coun Ruding said that he would be discussing proposals with council officers to introduce measures preventing travellers gaining access to the recreation ground in the future. A similar scheme using raised borders preventing caravan access has been introduced at Bierley recreation ground.

The arrival of other travellers in the Girlington area has led to fears of similar problems for local residents and shoppers arriving at Morrisons supermarket in Thornton Road.

Councillor Sajawal Hussain said that caravans moved in to the Thornton Road and Cemetery Road areas over the weekend.

He said: "I know from past experience that I will be inundated with telephone calls. Something must be done ."

It was also reported that a group of travellers had arrived at the former Transperience museum. The museum's car park is now owned by Boston Spa company Ogden properties.

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