GRAFFITI vandals could ruin scenic Ilkley Moor landmarks unless they are caught soon, it is feared.

Spray-painted 'railway graffiti' style slogans have been daubed on moorland rocks in recent weeks - and the most recent attack at the weekend saw ten foot high letters appear in a quarry near the Cow and Calf Rock.

Bradford Council's Countryside Service says it will pick up the bill for cleaning up the mess, but is urging anyone with information on the

culprits to get in touch.

The vandals have also defaced rocks elsewhere on the moor, including popular routes for walkers and visitors to the area.

Regular walker on the moor, Ian Adams, 71, of Parish Ghyll Drive says he has never before seen such graffiti on the moor in the four years he has lived in the area.

He walks his dog on the moor every morning, and has occasionally found smouldering camp fires, empty bottles and litter left on the moor - but says the graffiti is a recent phenomenon. Now he would like to see something done before the vandals succeed in damaging more visible landmarks on the moor.

"Over the weekend there has been major work done to about ten rocks, with ten to 12 foot high graffiti. It will be a nightmare to clean off," said Mr Adams.

"It's also in the little wood behind the White House. It has happened in the last few weeks. Until recently, there's been the odd tin can or a bit of rubbish, but there's been nothing like this at all."

The graffiti has also been appearing on other moorland landmarks, including rocks in the Rocky Valley area, and woodland behind the White House.

Mr Adams was also worried to find lighter fuel canisters dumped near the makeshift camps, and fears young people are risking their lives by

sniffing lighter fuel.

He has not approached the police about the recent

vandalism, but said he knew Ilkley Police had intervened in the past over the camp fires

and other problems on the moor.

Mr Adams fears the problem could be difficult to control, as those responsible are on the moor at night, when there is no-one around to see them.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "We are aware that graffiti has appeared on a few rocks on Ilkley Moor, and wardens from the council's Countryside Service will make sure they are cleaned up.

''The countryside is there for the enjoyment of everyone and it is a shame that a minority of people try to spoil it through such mindless behaviour.

"The area round Ilkley Moor rarely has problems with vandalism and we would ask anyone with information about the recent graffiti to contact the Countryside Service on (01274) 588616."