PROBLEMS in Pool-in-Wharfedale could be tackled by village groups and organisations coming together and forming a community forum, it has been claimed.

Bernard Mitchinson, Chairman of community group Pool 2020, said at a recent meeting that he was all for a community forum being set up, which would allow all community groups in the village to come together and discuss pressing items.

He said: "If everybody got together now and then, the groups could help each other with village matters.

"Pool 2020 and the Parish Council are the only committees that are open to the public, and I think that there needs to be more communication.

"We could have all the groups, including 2020, co-ordinate two or three times a year, and it's a way of moving 2020 forward. Ideas need to be thought about collectively."

Mr Mitchinson added that if a new 2020 committee was formed in July, they could advise other village groups to work together.

He said: "There are things we can do together that we can't do separately.

"We want to set out the opportunity for change, and would also like to promote the idea of a community forum. This is where 2020 falls short."

At the meeting, committee members were considering winding down the group after next July when both the president and secretary stand down from their roles.

Options discussed included drafting in new committee members, holding quarterly or ad hoc 2020 meetings or creating a new community forum.

Mr Mitchinson said that he was pleased with the progress that the group had made in just over two years, but was concerned how to maintain the group and what to do when both he and secretary Roger Bamforth stand down.

Mr Mitchinson said: "We've actually covered most of the items we were mandated to do. In July we will have to revise the mandate. Once we've struck those items off or reduced them dramatically it would be nice to set 2020 up so someone could run it easier."

l Meanwhile, the group is hoping to expand its Pool Vision newsletter to Arthington, if they feel there is suitable supply and demand.

Committee members are keen to hear from people in Arthington who may like to advertise or write for the newsletter, as well as distributing it.