The problem of illegal travellers pitching up on public land is a perennial one that always seems to become more apparent as the spring gets underway.

The latest camp has arrived in the Bradford district just as police and Bradford Council have been thrashing out a new strategy on how to deal with the issue.

Of course, everyone has a right to live where and how they choose - but within reason. And that must include due respect for private land and other people.

Travellers and gipsies have their rights to their lifestyles enshrined in law, but there is often much disgruntlement in the local community when a camp is set up on inappropriate land.

This is often school playgrounds, retail car parks and even cemeteries or church land. In these cases, it is necessary that all agencies involved are aware of what they must do and act accordingly.

So it is encouraging that the council and the police have come together to draw up a proper action plan for how to deal with camps that are set up in the wrong places.

It is in the residents' best interests that illegal camps are moved on as soon as possible, with minimum disruption to the community, and that the travellers are treated in accordance with the law and given information about more suitable camp sites.

Perhaps that way, this summer will see less disruption to local communities and fewer complaints about illegal campsites, while the travelling community is directed with the appropriate considerations to places where they are more free to set up their encampments.