The man spearheading Ilkley's Darwin Gardens Millennium project is delighted with the public support he has received.

Dr Peter Harnett said 75 per cent of those who answered a questionnaire about the West View Park scheme gave it their approval.

Preliminary proposals, including bird's eye views of a Yorkshire stone "pavement" maze, have been on public display in the entrance hall of Booths Supermarket for the past month.

Dr Harnett said: "I am very encouraged by the public response to the proposals. They will now go on display at Ilkley public library for three weeks, starting today."

Dr Harnett said he had met Bradford Council officials to discuss practical aspects of the scheme, such as clearing pathways and examining ways of encouraging wildlife. And he is hoping to meet them again to discuss terms for an eventual long-term lease of the site to a Trust.

Dr Harnett said: "Although Darwin Gardens is being designed to be a low maintenance scheme, it will need looking after in years to come. With that in mind, I am hoping we can form a Friends of Darwin Gardens group.

"By helping to create an inspirational, educational and recreational feature, of enduring value to both residents and visitors of all ages, we can all show our respect for Ilkley's history and our determination to act positively for the future of our town and its surroundings."

He said he was delighted with the progress as he sought to transform the park into a garden which future generations could enjoy.

And the project received a boost shortly before Christmas with a pledge of funding from Crest Homes who are drawing up plans to develop houses on the Ilkley College site.

Dr Harnett hopes to complete the Millennium maze area in time for a formal opening during Millennium Year. It will include a planting scheme designed to blend with the natural surroundings of the site.

He is keen to hear from anyone who feels they can offer assistance to the scheme, through technical advice, sponsorship or labour.

He can be contacted at The Cottage, Crossbeck Close, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9JW, or by telephone on (01943) 601743.

The e-mail address to contact is compos@richmond.premier.co.uk.

l The Darwin Gardens scheme will be one of the subjects for discussion at Ilkley Parish Council's open consultation meeting at the Clarke Foley Centre (Jack Lofthouse Annex) on February 17 at 7.30pm.

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