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Law move as Leeds travellers move on
A traveller convoy that had parked up on a Leeds leisure centre car park – and was immediately given parking tickets – has moved on.
However council bosses were still due to go to court yesterday to prevent them returning to Pudsey leisure centre.
The unauthorised caravans rolled into the car park just over a week ago.
Pudsey councillor Josie Jarosz said the encampment had created “disruption and concern” and locals were “relieved” the caravans had moved on.
Coun Jarosz said: “As a local resident myself, I fully understand the concern this camp created, in particular with potential litter, disruption and access to the park.
“On their arrival, we immediately made the travellers team aware and I want to thank Pudsey residents for the patience they have demonstrated whilst Leeds City Council have been working to reclaim possession of the land.
“I am hoping things can now return back to normal in Pudsey and I would like to remind everyone the town centre is open for business.”
A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: “We will still go to court and that will give us an eviction order that will prevent that particular family from coming back for three months.”
Helen Jones, chief executive officer of the Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange said: “We are utterly horrified that unauthorised encampment in our home town is effectively being criminalised prior to authorised choices being available,” adding it was “not necessary to resort to criminal law” to manage the traveller population.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
