THE decision was not entirely unexpected if somewhat thrust upon Menston Community Association by the actions of others.

If Burley-in-Wharfedale's Community Council achieves its independence from Ilkley, Menston will have little choice but to go it alone as well.

Of course the people of the village must decide but it would be illogical to remain a part of Ilkley Parish without being physically connected to the town.

The only geographical parallel in recent history is the creation of East and West Pakistan following the granting of independence to India. Almost inevitably East Pakistan broke away from its separate other half and became - albeit after a disastrous war which neither country, nor India which was drawn into the conflict, could afford - Bangladesh.

Its probably unlikely that Ilkley would go to war to keep its control over Menston but relations between the two parts of the parish would probably not survive geographic separation caused by the newly created parish of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Another possibility is the retention of Burley Woodhead by Ilkley Parish, creating a narrow umbilical cord of connection between Menston and Ilkley. Even if this were the case the very fact that the main village in between the two was no longer part of the whole would put pressure on the relationship.

On the map, Menston is closer to Otley than Ilkley but it is clear that the village, as part of the Bradford district, regards itself as part of Ilkley.

But since the creation of Ilkley Parish Council in the 1970s, there has always been a tension in the relationship between the town and its two Wharfedale villages.

Perhaps the example of Addingham is the best one to look at. Addingham, in the Wharfe Valley and part of the Bradford district, has very close ties with Ilkley but its residents are happy enough with their own parish council and would not want the relationship to be any different.