COUNCIL-run cultural services in Ilkley have been heavily criticised in a report by a Government watchdog.

A team of inspectors from the Audit Commission gave Bradford's district-wide cultural service a one star out of a possible three rating.

While a statement from City Hall emphasised that it was not all bad news. council leaders emphasised the Audit Commission's praise for friendly and helpful staff as well as improvements to Lister Park and Shipley swimming pool. But in Ilkley the report presents a less than rosy picture.

The report says: "Although Ilkley has a range of parks and gardens, and is close to the countryside around Ilkley Moor, there are few indoor cultural services facilities.

"Facilities have reasonable opening times, but all have limited access for people with mobility problems. To use full accessible library facilities, for example, would mean travelling nearly 12 miles to Bradford City Centre.

"Given the higher than average proportion of older people in the ward, services do not reflect their access needs, nor those of people with disabilities, or parents with young children.

"The relative affluence of the ward and the higher than average level of car ownership, mean that Ilkley residents are more able to travel to other parts of the district - and beyond to access cultural services, but services in their own local area are limited.

"Similarly, pupils in Ilkley schools have very little exposure to theatre in education - schools in only one other ward had less involvement in this cultural activity in the 2002/03 year."

In another criticism, the report says: "The council is unable to demonstrate that its cultural services are having a positive impact on local communities."

Ilkley district and parish councillor Anne Hawkesworth - who was singled out in the report as a good ambassador for the service - is the executive member for arts, heritage and leisure.

She said: "The inspectors clearly recognised the extra investment that we are putting into our cultural services. This has allowed us to improve significantly and develop better services."

The inspectors, who gave Bradford a 'fair' rating, said a history of under-funding meant lack of maintenance had led to the deterioration of a number of buildings. Other possible ratings in the report were 'good' and 'excellent'.

Marketing is described as weak and many buildings lacked public toilets, baby changing facilities and refreshment areas.

The inspectors recommended the council to carry out a wide ranging survey across the district on the cultural needs of all sections of the community.