Leeds council seeking court injunction over illegal traveller caravan convoy on children's home site

Travellers caravans behind a hedge off Bodmin Road in Middleton, Leeds.

Council bosses were today seeking a court injunction to move an illegal convoy of traveller caravans which moved onto a derelict former children's home site in Leeds.

Concerns were raised by locals in Middleton after more than a dozen vans pitched up at the land in Bodmin Road, Middleton.

Local Labour councillor Kim Groves explained 12 caravans had initially pitched up, and more arrived earlier today (Friday).

She said they were believed to have moved on from another unauthorised site in Seacroft.

Councillor Kim Groves, ward councillor for Middleton Park.

She added council bosses were seeking court action to get the convoy moved - but stressed: “We are working closely with police to see what can be done. Residents are concerned and rightly so.”

Coun Groves said the land was owned by Leeds City Council and was currently on sale for housing.

A householder who lives just yards from the site, which is currently overgrown with hedges, said the vans started moving in on Wednesday night and “everybody is really worried”.