COUNCIL officials are set to take a tougher line with illegal gypsy camps in Huddersfield.
They have moved to get court action to evict a group of travellers who have moved on to a children's recreation ground in Almondbury.
And they have instigated top-level talks with councillors and police officers to see what more can be done to prevent problems.
The Almondbury travellers moved on to the site off Somerset Road on Friday, hours before bailiffs arrived to evict them from a Kirklees Council playing field in Fanny Moor Lane, Lowerhouses.
One Almondbury mother has already complained to police that the travellers have harassed her young children.
She said her daughter, aged eight, was subjected to sexual taunts while her son, 12, was goaded by youths seeking a fight.
"The children just wanted to play on the swings.
"It is wrong that they should be harassed in this way. I have contacted the police about it."
Clr Martyn Bolt, a member of Kirklees Council's Cabinet, said strong action would be taken.
"We have started talks between ourselves, the officers and West Yorkshire Police.
"Our view is that we should be taking as strong a line with travellers as we are with anyone else who commits anti-social behaviour.
"We have already set the wheels in motion to serve an eviction notice on the travellers at Almondbury and I hope that will be done before Friday.
"We will have to clean up the site but I can assure residents we will not be giving free skips for the travellers.
"Ordinary householders have to pay for their skips and the same should apply.
"We are also looking at ways of urging the police to use powers that exist under the Public Order Act to ensure there are no problems with travellers."
