Emmerdale under fire for trampling ancient landmark

Members of the local environmental group, Friends of Ilkley Moor, say production vehicles and heavy filming equipment damaged the Cow and Calf Rocks, a Site of Specific Scientific Interest in Ilkley, by churning up the ground and leaving tyre tracks.

Owen Wells, chairman of the group, says research is being carried out on the precious carved rocks to check for potential damage, which he said would be “absolutely devastating.”

“They were unlucky because the bad weather meant the ground was very soft, but they could have used lighter vehicles to make sure damage was kept to a minimum.

“A track that is used perhaps once or twice a year and was in good condition is damaged. Where the track meets the road it has been worn so much that the production team have obviously had to start a new track – which is more damage.

“The most disturbing thing of all is that where there was a narrow track at the top of the rocks there is now a wide track where a Land Rover has been back and forwards.

“We have also ordered an investigation into a number of carved rocks, which are scheduled ancient monuments, over 4,000 years old, some of the only of their kind in the world.

“If these rocks have been damaged then it will be absolutely devastating.

“I’m also worried that the fact that the track has been widened will appear as an invitation to more people in 4X4s who will continue the damage to the area.”

An Emmerdale spokesperson said: “We are in full conversation with the council and reinstatement work has already taken place, this work will continue when the cold temperatures rise to enable further ground work to be completed. The remainder of the work will be carried out under the recommendation of Natural England and using a Natural England/Bradford Council recognised contractor funded by ITV, to ensure the work is carried out to the correct standard.

“A voluntary payment was pre-agreed to The Friends of Ilkley Moor via Bradford Council in addition to our filming contract, to benefit the local community and environment.

“We understand that The Friends of Ilkley Moor were unaware they would be receiving this voluntary payment and we are now following this up to ensure the funds are received.”

Danny Jackson, the countryside and rights of way manager, at Bradford Council, which owns the land, said: “The film crew took up more equipment than we expected but they have accepted it is their responsibility to repair the damage caused on the moor at the top of the Cow and Calf rocks.”