Travellers have set up camp at Huddersfield Leisure Centre's car park.

They began arriving last night and continued settling in today (Fri) creating alarm among local businesses in the town centre and residents.

And it's understood they could be there for at least a week before Kirklees Council is able to move them on using legal powers.

One woman, who didn't wish to be named, said: "We were taking our children to swimming lessons last night (Thurs).

"I was standing in the centre looking out and I saw them looking into people's parked car windows.

"It was fine but it wasn't very relaxing knowing they were looking into cars."

Huddersfield Leisure Centre

Kirklees councillor Andrew Cooper, (Green, Newsome ), said: "That's an inconvenience for many people, particularly those who use the leisure centre on a regular basis.

"And I hope Kirklees Council can deal with it as soon as possible.

"Locking the car park at night would be a good idea."

Asked what could be done in the future to prevent such problems he said it was "one of the statutory duties of the council" to provide a permanent facility for travellers.

Clr Andrew Cooper

Clr Cooper said: "There's one going to plan in Birstall at the moment and that's where they should be redirected to.

"The idea is in the Local Plan so it should happen eventually."

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: "We’re aware of the encampment at Huddersfield Leisure Centre car park.

"A welfare visit is being arranged and we will begin legal proceedings if we need to."

The latest camp comes after travellers set up in car parks at Cedar Court Hotel and Toby Carvery at Ainley Top earlier this year.