VILLAGERS are turning to one of the world's best-known chefs in a bid to cook-up opposition to plans to demolish an historic building.

Residents in Pool-in-Wharfedale are planning a last-gasp bid to stop Monkman's Bistro with Bedrooms being razed to the ground and nine houses being built in its place by Bowlength Ltd and Consort Homes.

And they are turning to the renowned Marco Pierre-White, who served part of an apprenticeship at the restaurant when it was known as Pool Court, to back their campaign to save what they claim is an important site in the village.

Pool 2020 community group chairman Bernard Mitchinson "We will be cheeky and write him a letter. I don't know whether he will have any objections, but he may be upset that part of his past is about to be demolished."

Mr Mitchinson told Monday night's Pool 2020 meeting in the Methodist church hall that villagers must mount a last attempt to save the building as the plans could be considered by the city council in August.

"We must carry on objecting because it is an important site with an important history. It is a continuation of the Georgian village and we will end up with nothing if we are not careful.

"We need to raise more signatures and objections in the village before it is too late. This could be the last opportunity we get to influence people to do something about Monkmans and this is the time to raise more objections."

Original objections to the plan were made by Pool 2020, Pool Parish Council and surrounding residents when the plans were submitted last September.

Mr Mitchinson added that planning officers, to their credit, had done what they could to convince the developers to preserve the building, but without success.

He also called for a couple of volunteers from the village to administrate a renewed campaign. Volunteers would be needed to encourage people to object, write letters and generally raise awareness of the Monkman's plans.

"We need to have made a concerted effort by August. If people like Marco Pierre White can help us or raise awareness, then so much the better," added Mr Mitchinson.

Pool 2020 is also considering writing to former Pool Court owner Michael Gill, who lives in Leathley, to get his backing for the campaign.

The building's history dates back to before 1800 when it was a Georgian gentleman's home.

A previous bid to get Monkman's House listed had failed.