A VISION of the future could become a reality, improving life in isolated Feizor, Wharfe, Eldroth and Austwick.

Spearheaded by Austwick Parish Council and Lawkland Parish Meeting, the aim of the project is to gather as many views as possible about how to improve life in rural communities, and then take the most popular forward with grant aid.

Pupils at Austwick Primary School kick-started the initiative on Monday, putting their ideas to Mike Dando, of Yorkshire Planning Aid. Their wide-ranging suggestions covered the environment, as well as social and economic improvements.

To help parents, the children suggested the provision of a creche in the school holidays and a babysitting circle. Another idea was a mentoring scheme, in which senior citizens or the infirm would be helped with their shopping or laundry.

The children were aware of the need for affordable housing in the area and community transport. They also called for speed cameras, more litter bins and an improved library service.

Other suggestions included a takeaway, possibly from the Gamecock, extending services at the village shop, a cinema, improved signage of footpaths, more bus stops, low level street lighting and collection points for charity shops. More innovative ideas included a central bonfire area where residents could burn rubbish without disturbing their neighbours.

The children also wanted more activities such as a youth club, a tennis practice wall, internet access at the village hall and a nature area.

Headteacher Lesley Crutchley said: "I think many of their ideas are workable. Everyone has been very impressed with their ideas."

Nine-year-old Robert Gait, of Hellifield, called for the mobile library to call at child friendly times.

"We can't get to the library because it's not open when we can go. If the mobile library called after school that would be great," he said.

Robbie Davidson, aged seven, of Lawkland, added: "There's nothing to do in Lawkland, but I don't want to live in a city because then you couldn't go out on your bike. We just want more activities."

Simon Clarke, 10, of Eldroth, said he wished there were more activities for children.

Coun Robert Cooksley, of Austwick Parish Council, is optimistic some of the children's ideas could come to fruition.

He said: "There is funding out there. We want to find out what we can get, be realistic and if people want it look for funding."

Residents in Eldroth will now be asked for their views on Saturday February 22 at the village hall with Austwick residents getting a chance to have their say in the parish hall on Sunday February 23. Each day's event runs from 10.30am until 3.30pm and organisers hope as many people as possible will come forward with their views for improving the community.

The initiative is backed by the Countryside Agency and European funds, and the ideas drawn from the meetings will help form a parish plan which can be used to draw in more funding.