Travellers who set up camp on Menston Park have been moved on by police, says Shipley MP Philip Davies.

He praised the swift action to get the travellers off the site where he says they were illegally pitched.

Mr Davies said he had been contacted by local residents who said they felt “uneasy” about the presence of the travellers on the site.

He said he had been working with West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council’s Gypsy Liaison officer after concerns were raised.

Police and the liaison officer visited the camp and told the travellers that legal proceedings had been started to evict them. A horse trailer was seized by police, said Mr Davies.

He 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.

Last week, Ilkley’s MP Robbie Moore announced he was "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 came after Ilkley Lido was forced to close when travellers moved on to the site and a barrier was broken to allow them to gain access.

The Gypsy Liaison officer from Bradford Council also visited the travellers at their Ilkley camp and instigated the legal process of moving them on.

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

Mr Moore said at the time: “llkley 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.”