ONLY three Ilkley schools have taken up the offer of a new high-tech weapon in the war against playground bullies.

A series of interactive CDs on how to deal with bullying have been offered to schools in the area by Ilkley Rotary Club. But half the schools have not responded to the offer and only three local schools and two others outside the area have asked for the CDs.

Philip Chinque, vocational committee chairman of Ilkley Rotary Club, said: "Of course, we are disappointed that some local head teachers have not accepted our offer.

"It may be that they have policies in place which make reference to this CD material irrelevant to their needs. But the media have confirmed there is a problem and often the school authorities are the last to know of it."

As well as being offered free to schools, the CDs are also available in public libraries in Ilkley and Keighley.

Judi Unwin, area librarian, said: "I think bullying is a very important issue in our society and anything which helps to deal with it is to be welcomed.

"I am quite happy to take copies of the CD which will be lent to borrowers in our normal way."

The CDs have been produced as the outcome of an initiative undertaken by Rotary Club members in the North East of England with financial support from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Using a team of experts the CD shows how to tackle bullying, using methods that have proved effective in other European countries.

Mr Chinque said: "I commend those schools which have taken the trouble to ask for the CD to see if there is advice or guidance which they can incorporate within their policies on bullying."

Applications for the CD should be sent to Vocational Committee Chairman, 18 Parish Ghyll Drive, Ilkley, LS29 9ND.

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