Plans for further legal moves to stop travellers causing problems in Huddersfield could prove a headache.

Council officials would have to prove that the same people had returned to a site after eviction in order to use existing legal powers.

There have been calls for stronger action after a number of problems caused by travellers in recent weeks.

And the council and others have been left with bills running to thousands of pounds to take out court action and to clear up after the travellers.

Groups of travellers set up camp on land at Huddersfield New College, on playing fields in Celandine Avenue at Salendine Nook and at the Huddersfield YMCA complex at Laund Hill.

In each case bailiffs were granted eviction notices

One resident concerned about the travellers said: “People have suggested an annual eviction notice for travellers so that they can be moved on immediately from a site”.

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But this is not practicable, according to the council.

A council spokesman said: “Where travellers return to land within 12 months the council can make an application to the court for permission to issue a Warrant of Restitution. If granted the council can request a new eviction date to be fixed by the County Court Bailiffs.

“This is a quicker procedure however the council must provide the court with clear evidence that it is the same or majority of the same group that have returned to the land.”