ONLY a few of years ago it seemed that Ilkley was about to lose more valuable open space when the planning application to put houses on the site occupied by the former Grove Convalescent Hospital was submitted.

Although the proposed housing development included an open courtyard area in the middle, many people were horrified that instead of the mature trees and green lawns sweeping down to The Grove, people would be left staring at yet more bricks and mortar.

In the normal course of events, Ilkley residents have every right to feel besieged by developers, but this area was felt to be special and held close to the hearts of many people. If an area as special as The Grove can be built on, what chance has the rest of the town to preserve its unique character and charm?

But then came the good news with the withdrawal of the planning application and the negotiations by the Abbeyfield Society to buy the site and create an integrated care facility for the elderly.

Any fears about the area on The Grove were soon dispelled when it was revealed that it had been transferred to a board of trustees comprising members of the Ilkley Rotary Club, Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club, and representatives of the Abbeyfield Society itself and the parish council.

The idea of creating a Victorian bandstand was born and many volunteers set about turning the dream into reality.

Now, fundraisers have accumulated more than one-third of the money needed, which is marvellous news indeed. The real hard work must go on because there is another £35,000 needed to complete the project.

But as the volunteers working on the Darwin Gardens have shown, it is possible to create another jewel in Ilkley's crown by hard work, determination and the goodwill of those whose imagination has been captured by a worthwhile cause.