Ilkley Parish Council faces a bleak future as a mere lobby group unless it takes a long hard look at itself, it has been claimed.

Coun Gary Shipley (Lib Dem, Burley-in-Wharfedale) said simply moaning about Bradford Council's so-called reluctance to provide Ilkley with adequate services was no longer acceptable.

He said history had clearly shown the influence the parish council had upon key decisions taken in Bradford.

"I have the utmost respect, both for the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone on this council to represent the interest of the community we serve. However, without real accountability I can only forsee a continuing legacy whereby we are no more than a lobby group," said Coun Shipley.

He said if Ilkley was to enjoy a future without a continuing starvation of resources and prolonged inaction, the time was now right for the parish council to critically examine it's future role into the 21st century.

"This role must ensure we are able to fully represent and manage the needs of our local community," said Coun Shipley.

Without suggesting colleagues should endorse the idea, Coun Shipley raised the issue of a precept once again. Parish councils, could, if they so wished, take a pro-active role in terms of managing and delivering local services, by raising funds themselves.

He said a working party should be formed to examine both the strategic and fiscal future of Ilkley Parish Council.

Coun Shipley made his comments during a discussion about toilets at Monday evening's parish council meeting.

Coun Mike Gibbons (Con, Ben Rhydding) said the chamber had witnessed many debates in the past 10 years about long running issues such as lack of toilet provision.

He said the inaction and lack of funding on Bradford Council's part displayed absolute and utter contempt. However, he said suggestions about precepting raised the question of whether Ilkley residents should have to suffer 'double rating' - paying twice for services they should expect by right.

Coun Gibbons said Bradford Council's attitude was that Ilkley was rich enough to look after itself and provide its own facilities.

Coun Mike Lynes said the reluctance to improve toilet facilities had been 'going on forever.'

"It is time to say get on with and sort it out. Stop making excuses," he said.

Coun Lynes said Bradford Council was making money from charges in the town's central car park.

The council is currently receiving estimates from contractors for the extensive refurbishment of the Ilkley town centre car park toilet block and work is expected to begin early in March."

There has also been criticism of the council after it was revealed the closure of the White Wells toilets was being considered.

"When reviewing the funding of a public toilet, a number of factors are considered including vandalism, inappropriate use of the facility and the safety of the public.

"If the facility fails to satisfy the criteria, the Council has little option to consider closure," said the spokesman.

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