DEBATE raged this week over a suggested £200,000 park and ride scheme which could see a ban on parking outside shops in Ben Rhydding.

The provision of improved parking facilities at Ben Rhydding railway station has sparked varying opinions among residents, business people and commuters.

The scheme could result in a parking ban outside the shops on Bolling Road and next to the station access road.

It is also suggested that blue badge disabled persons' parking places and a bus turnaround should be provided within the existing car park once the proposed park and ride site is operational.

Bolling Road has a small number of private businesses ranging from an art gallery to well established bakers, butchers and grocery store. Their long-term viability could be dependent on the final decision of Bradford Council.

Several shopkeepers from Bolling Road were upbeat about the proposals. Peter Bailey, 50, manager of the Four Seasons grocery store, commented: "The park and ride scheme may actually help. People who park in the area may be tempted to make use of the local shops.

"Allowing only short-term parking outside these shops would be ideal. Taking away the ability to park here at all would be ridiculous and people would be up in arms.

"We do lose passing trade with people taking up the few spaces outside these shops all day. The newsagent's next to here has closed. More traffic passing through here may generate interest and prevent me being forced to shut down as well.

"People will shop here if they can park right outside, but if they can't, they're more likely to go elsewhere. "

As reported in last week's Gazette, Tom Wesley, chairman of Wharfedale Rail Users' Group (WRUG) acknowledged that it might be years until the park and ride was in place and there would be positive and negative elements for everybody.

This week David Hatfield, 57, owner and manager of the Domestic Electric Appliance Service for 20 years, offered a positive outlook: "I don't think it would affect our business too much. The annoying part right now is when cars park right outside and stay there all day. It can be a real problem if we are loading and unloading when there are cars in the way.

"We'd certainly be in favour of making this stretch short-term parking only - for two hours perhaps, something like that.

"If a park and ride helps cut the congestion elsewhere and increases the amount of passing traffic that may notice where we are and what we do, then that would be good for us."

Parking restrictions may improve the flow of traffic and create a more welcoming environment for visitors to the area, but small local businesses, such as the secluded few in Ben Rhydding, will have to wait and see what effects the changes will have.

Commuters will also be forced to alter their routine. There are currently limited parking facilities at both Ben Rhydding and Ilkley train stations. This has forced commuters who prefer to leave their cars and travel the remainder of their journey by train, to seek alternative parking places - much to the indignation of locals.

It is hoped that restrictions on parking will coincide with the inauguration of the park and ride scheme.

Such a facility will not appeal to all. Those preferring not to take up the opportunity of the scheme may choose to extend their car journey to either Leeds or Bradford, removing certain levels of congestion from Ilkley, but adding to the excessive numbers entering both cities in this way each day.

The small businesses trading close to the proposed park and ride site and additional parking restriction areas appear to believe it may increase the awareness of their whereabouts.

Stephen Furniss, 45, owner and manager of Furniss Butchers for 16 years, believes: "In the right place, the park and ride scheme would be useful, without a doubt. In addition, making sure the space outside our shops is short-stay only, I think we'd benefit."