AN MP has praised police for ensuring travellers who illegally pitched up in Menston Park were moved on within days.
Shipley MP Philip Davies had been contacted by local residents who said they felt uneasy with the arrival and that many no longer felt it was safe for teenage children to be out with their friends.
Mr Davies immediately contacted West Yorkshire Police and officers, together with Bradford Council’s Gypsy Liaison officer, attended the site. The travellers were informed legal proceedings had started and a horse trailer, that police believed to be stolen, was seized.
Mr Davies said: “Travellers are a very aware there are sites up and down the country, which are provided by local authorities, where they are legally allowed to pitch. Instead, they choose to pitch up wherever they like with no regard for residents or local communities, leaving untold mess in their wake. I am pleased the police were able to ensure the travellers left the park very quickly.
“I have raised the matter of travellers with government ministers many times and was delighted when they said police would be given extended powers to deal with the issue.”
It is thought the travellers pitched up in Menston Park after being moved on from Ilkley.
Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act police can now seize and impound vehicles as well as issue hefty fines to travellers. Previously Police had to ascertain a criminal offence had taken place, given trespass alone is not a criminal offence.