Ilkley's in-line skating enthusiasts have urged the town to speed up plans for a skating site.

The skaters say they are not demanding a great deal, just a place in the town where they can indulge their passion for the sport in safety.

A number of youngsters attended Ilkley Parish Council's open meeting to express their frustration at the lack of progress being made on the issue.

Parish councillors, initially happy for a section of the Memorial Gardens to be used for skating and skateboarding, have cooled because nearby residents have expressed objections about the noise skaters would make. Others are unhappy that a memorial garden would be used for such an activity. Bradford Council has also rejected the idea of the Memorial Gardens as a location.'

One of those unhappy with the lack of movement is skater Sam Borrett. He expressed dismay at certain attitudes in the town. "I have seen a lot of negative and closed minds on this issue," he said.

The chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, Coun Alec Henderson (Con, Ben Rhydding) urged all interested parties to make a list of their preferred sites for facilities and submit them to Ilkley Parish Council at Ilkley Town Hall.

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