A NEGLECTED beauty spot could be given a makeover to attract tourists and residents to a cherished part of Ilkley.

Proposals to maintain and improve the wildlife and prehistoric carved rocks in Panorama Wood were outlined to parish councillors this week.

New measures for the 4.8 hectare site will mean the grounds will be improved and protected in the future.

Bradford Council Woodland Manager for the project Richard Dunton said he hoped if the proposals were accepted by the parish council, the area would be a greater amenity for all.

He said: "The site is ideally located on the edge of Ilkley near the moor, for public recreation and education, and given the woods overall amenity and heritage value it is highly regarded by local people who use it frequently for quiet, informal enjoyment."

He also added that he was keen to make sure that everyone who was interested had their chance to get their views across.

"Public consultation is an important aspect of this management plan and this first draft will be presented to Ilkley Parish Council and other local organisations and people with an interest in the site," he said.

"Bradford Council will continue to work closely with individuals and organisations throughout the life of this plan."

Chairman of the parish council Michael Gibbons hailed the proposals, although he believed they would need the support of the public.

He said: "I welcome the plan and the interest taken in Panorama Wood as a positive step forward in conserving the woods in the future.

"I look forward to more detailed proposals when they are available but I realise the council will probably need considerable help from the public and in particular we want to be aware of vandalism in the area."

Suggestions on the management plan include:

l Selective thinning of sycamore trees under 50 years old to increase species diversity.

l Ring barking of selected sycamores to create standing dead wood for wildlife habitats.

l Removal of bracken.

l Removal of invasive non-native species such as Rhododendron and Japanese knotweed.

Carrying out ecological surveys to collect more information about the area.