Addingham residents deserve a collective slap on the back for backing the village civic society's

millennium scheme.

In less than a year, £9,000 has been raised to fund a scheme which should make a positive difference to everyday life in the village.

Rather than dreaming up a madcap millennium scheme, the civic society's plan to transform the surface of George Street is a stroke of genius.

It is simple, not outrageously expensive and, most important of all, it is a project the vast majority of villagers support.

A big party to celebrate the millennium is all well and good, but once it is over there is nothing to show for it.

Communities will only back a scheme with hard cash if it is something they genuinely desire.

Addingham has 'spoken' in this regard. Rather than sitting around and bleating about the difficulties of obtaining grants or Lottery funding, Addingham Civic Society members have shown how much can be achieved by the 'rolling up sleeves and get on with it' approach.

It cannot be a coincidence that a similar approach in Burley-in-Wharfedale has proved equally successful. A village decides it wants a village green, therefore it creates one.

Hopefully, the George Street scheme will prevent any more pensioners toppling into 'craters' on their way to the post office.

The fundraising success of the Addingham scheme shows community spirit is alive and kicking.

Long may this attitude prevail. Communities that whinge 'its not my problem' should take note.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.