Ilkley's MP Robbie Moore has said that the presence of travellers on the town’s riverside park is “completely unacceptable”.
Mr Moore, the Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, went to West Holmes Field at the weekend to view the encampment for himself and has reported the travellers to both West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council.
Posting a live video on Facebook from the riverside, Mr Moore said he had seen fires being lit, horse droppings across the site, and damage to the wild flower area laid by the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Park.
Robbie Moore MP said:
I have been and had another look again this morning and I am aware that more Travellers arrived yesterday.
I have again reported this to West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council. The mess which they have already caused, just in the last day or so via camp fires and horse manure is completely unacceptable.
I am also aware that they are driving vehicles and racing horses along the grassed riverside area where many young families would normally be playing. They are also making it difficult for anyone to use the skatepark.
As I have said before, it is completely unfair for local residents to put up this and to be left with the consequences and damage when the Travellers move on - which is all to be picked up at taxpayers expense.
I will continue to raise this with Bradford Council and West Yorkshire Police.
