BETTER public transport is a priority for isolated people in Wharfedale's villages, a meeting was told.

Representatives from parish councils in Pool-in-Wharfedale, Bramhope and Arthington met in Old Pool Bank Village Hall to discuss how parish councils could support each other in various common problems. The councils will now be working more closely with each other to tackle common problems.

Principle objectives included addressing issues like road safety, speeding, congestion and traffic in general, including heavy goods vehicles.

It was agreed that the rail bus service links needed to be improved and extended and the timing of bus services in rural areas also needed to be addressed.

Other issues to be tackled included a plan for new and/or alternative businesses in the aftermath of the foot and mouth outbreak; speeding up consultation on planning matters; improving Leeds City Council's cleansing services; looking at tourism for the whole area; co-ordinating village celebrations, and improving and maintaining relationships with city councillors.

Decreasing social isolation of elderly people in the outlying areas was a further issue.

Meeting chairman Hazel Lee, who is also chairman of Pool Parish Council, said: "The meeting was considered to be successful, so much so that it was agreed to hold similar meetings three times a year."

Apologies were received from Weeton Parish Council and Otley Town Council, who had both expressed interest in the meeting.