A DALES community is pressing for speedy action over a family of travellers who have moved on to a car park next to a popular tourist attraction.

Hawes, in Upper Wensleydale, was a virtual ghost town when foot-and-mouth disease swept through the area a year ago.

With footpaths closed, income for most businesses slowed to a trickle.

Much relies on the coming Easter break to put finances on track and the town has been doing everything it can to attract tourists back to the area.

It is already behind both regional and national initiatives aiming to underline the fact that the countryside is now open.

The arrival of a dormobile and a caravan on the car park next door to the Dales Countryside Museum has therefore ruffled a local business community relying so much on presenting a positive image.

"There are concerns about the possible public perception of people living on a car park owned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park," said parish council chairman, Councillor John Blackie, who also represents the area on the district and county authorities.

"We have to live and work here and, this year more than ever, we have to build our reputation and livelihoods on tourism. This is a matter on which people want to see immediate action."

There are thought to be five people living in the caravan and dormobile, which arrived a week ago - including children who are understood to have been enrolled in local schools.

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Dales National Park confirmed the authority is aware that the family has moved on to its land and has already consulted lawyers.

"We are taking legal advice and will decide on a course of action when we have been informed of our options," he said.

"Our motivation is that we are aware we are about to enter the holiday season in Wensleydale and people will need to use that car park and all the spaces available. As soon as we know the most expedient method of dealing with the problem, we will act.