ILKLEY'S MP Robbie Moore says he is "fed up to the back teeth of travellers coming along, setting up camp, causing damage, intimidating residents and members of the public and leaving a mess, which all then has to be cleaned up at the taxpayer’s expense."

His comments come after the town's lido was forced to close last week due to health and safety concerns.

Travellers moved on to the site of Ilkley Lido on June 6 after breaking a barrier to gain access.

The next day a gypsy and traveller officer from Bradford Council visited the site and the process of moving the travellers off the site began.

West Yorkshire Police recorded a crime of criminal damage and said it was being investigated.

Then on Thursday evening last week Bradford Council announced a decision had been taken at short notice to close Ilkley Lido from noon on Friday, June 30 for a short period.

They issued a statement saying: "This is due to a series of ongoing health and safety issues which require a short-term closure of the centre while they are resolved."

Today Robbie Moore MP said: “I am fed up to the back teeth of travellers coming along, setting up camp, causing damage, intimidating residents and members of the public and leaving a mess, which all then has to be cleaned up at the taxpayer’s expense.

"Just last week, Ilkley Pool and Lido had to temporarily close due concerns that were raised with the travellers setting up camp in the adjoining field, which resulted in swimming lessons having to be cancelled and the pool being unable to be used. This is unfair to the local community and quite frankly unacceptable.

"I am also aware travellers have again set up camp in Marley and are also causing damage and intimidation to locals.

"After concerns being raised, I am pleased the travellers have now moved on from Ilkley, and I will do my best to get them moved on from Marley as well. I then suggest heavy boulders are quickly put in situ to stop this ongoing occurrence.”

Bradford Council was asked to comment on the reasons for the closure of Ilkley Pool and Lido but did not respond to the question.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said today: “We are pleased to say that Ilkley Lido will be re-opening fully tomorrow (Tuesday 4 July), following a short temporary closure last week.  We hope that families will be able to enjoy a day out at the Lido which offers a wide range of activities.”