MEMBERS of a fishing club in Ilkley have again been angered by the arrival of a travellers' camp at a site close to the River Wharfe.
The travellers arrived in caravans at the end of last week and settled on council-owned land at Coutances Way, close to the former Cara Cars Caravan showroom. Barry Moore, Secretary of the Ilkley Angling Association said that once again his members were upset about the presence of the travellers on what is an environmentally sensitive area.
Fishermen regularly use two gravel pits in the area to enjoy their sport, one of which is owned by the club and the other which is rented from City Hall.
Mr Moore said that the sensitive environment could be disturbed by the presence of the travellers' site. Although there is public footpath through the area, fishing rights belong to the Ilkley Angling Association.
Council liaison officers visited the site and were told by the travellers that they intended to move on within a few days. It is believed they are in transit between horse fairs in Cumbria and the East Coast.
Travellers have traditionally stopped in Ilkley around the time of the Appleby Horse Fair, attracting complaints from anglers and residents about noise and litter.
Upset anglers have erected an earth barrier around a site on Denton Road next to the River Wharfe to prevent their return.
Ilkley parish and district councillor Anne Hawkesworth said on her direction, council officers had already begun the legal process of getting the travellers moved on.
This should take around ten to 14 days and was a precautionary measure in case the travellers did not do what they said they would do and take to the road again.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article