Ilkley residents are being starved of information which could make a positive difference to their lives, it has been claimed.

A row is brewing over the level of contact Ilkley enjoys with Bradford Council, following a meeting this week.

The parish council has been accused of setting its own political agenda when organising public meetings.

Ilkley Parish Council believes its open consultation meetings are the ideal opportunity for residents to raise concerns and ask questions.

However, the chairman of the town's civic society does not agree. Bob Tilley feels Ilkley should have Neighbourhood Forum sessions, such as those held in Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston, three times a year.

Organised through its Area Panel system, Bradford Council believes such meetings are a good way to keep in touch with those under its control. The forum provides a link for those in Bradford who do not have a parish or town council.

Mr Tilley believes Ilkley is being choked of valuable information, information which should be received from Bradford officials.

He said Ilkley-based groups, and the parish council needed to know about sources of funding available to them and to take advantage of them.

He said: "I think the attitude of the parish council is it is the 'voice of the people.' I accept there has been a move to improve matters with the last open meeting being held away from the council chamber at the Clarke Foley Centre, but I still feel strongly that we do not have enough contact with Bradford."

Mr Tilley welcomed the presence of Bradford Council officers at that meeting, but does not believe it offers the same chance for an exchange of views, because he feels Ilkley Parish Council sets its own political agenda.

"I feel the Neighbourhood Forums are apolitical, the parish council is not. We just want the opportunity to talk to Bradford and let Bradford talk to us," he said.

Bradford Council has allowed Ilkley Parish Council to 'close the door on them' according to Mr Tilley.

Mr Tilley's comments followed Monday evening's meeting of Ilkley Parish Council. While he would like to see an Ilkley Neighbourhood Forum, councillors are sceptical.

Coun Mike Lynes (Con, Ilkley West) said: "I cannot see the logic in it. We have far more people attending our meetings than the average forum meeting. People in Ilkley can lobby their councillors, who then get onto Bradford and find out what is going on with a particular issue."

Coun Lynes believes the Ilkley method of liaison is more effective than anything on offer from Bradford.

Patrick Lawton, an officer with Keighley Area Panel, said he hoped the future would see parish councils and the Keighley Panel working together.

He said Ilkley residents would be asked for views on the council's vacant land survey, to look at ways groups could access funds for summer activities for young people and think of projects for a millennium challenge.

Following the meeting, Coun Anne Hawkesworth (Con, Ben Rhydding) said co-operation was fine but the lines should not be blurred. "The parish council works as a lobbying body to protect residents. Area Panels are simply a justification tool for the controlling group."

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