AN INFORMATION point directing incoming visitors to Ilkley's tourist hotspots could become a regular fixture at Booths supermarket.

Leaflets, information and a daily schedule of events could soon be posted, at the entrance to the supermarket.

Mike Lynes mooted the idea to fellow members of Ilkley Tourism and Town Management Committee, at its meeting.

Mr Lynes said: "A lot of people go there to pick up sandwiches before they go down by the river. "It would tell people of all the things that are happening in Ilkley.

"When you go to a new place and you have a couple of hours to spare, the maximum information will give you the maximum benefit."

Mr Lynes explained that Booths were happy to come on board with the project.

He said, after the meeting: "I passed it by Booths and they are thrilled by the idea. We would put a sign outside saying there was an information point."

Mr Lynes, an Ilkley Parish Councillor, said the display board would be unmanned, apart from on special occasions, and its responsibility would be shared between Booths and other interested parties.

He said: "Booths have said they will remove outdated items and replace leaflets.

"It would be up to individual groups, either through the tourism committee or Booths, to put on things on it. We can rely on people like Friends of the Manor House and the Civic Society to put their own leaflets on."

Atholl Robertson, the manager of the Leeds Road-based store, said: "It is not taking anything away from the Tourist Information Centre, but mainly to add to it, as another point of contact for people coming into Ilkley.

"A lot of people come along the A65, pop in here and never go into Ilkley itself. Anything we can do to help Ilkley and the community, I am all for."

As well as the information point, map boxes, with updated information, would also be placed in the town.

The two existing boxes at the top and bottom of Brook Street would be added to with a box near the Clarke Foley Centre.

Other suggested spots include over the shelters of the pay and display units at the central car park and Spring Lanes Health Centre.

Mr Lynes said: "The only way to get people to know what's going on is to put the information in the public domain."

Businesses and shops wishing to advertise on the map are currently being sought.

The revenue raised will be used on small-scale committee tourism projects.

Anyone interested in advertising should contact Miggy Bailey, the committee's secretary on (01943) 436212.