A major review of car parking in Ilkley has been ordered over traders' concerns at a lack of short-stay facilities.

Shopkeepers in the town are worried that all-day parking in some roads - particularly Nile Road, Victory Road, Trafalgar Road and Wharfe View Road - mean shoppers are unable to park.

Now Ilkley Parish Council has ordered a review of facilities in the town to see if traders' concerns can be met.

David Lishman, who has a butcher's business in Leeds Road, believes urgent action is needed before traders begin to really suffer.

Addressing an open meeting of Ilkley Parish Council, Mr Lishman said the time had come to prevent all day parking in certain areas.

Mr Lishman said shoppers could not find anywhere to stop and pop into shops and residents living in the roads named could not park outside their own homes.

"We rely on this cash and carry system, where people can come in, buy what they want and then drive off," said Mr Lishman.

He felt spaces were being taken up by 'nine to five' workers and some Ilkley residents who parked their car in the town before taking a bus or a train into Leeds or Bradford.

Coun Audrey Brand (Con, Menston) said more should be made of the Wharfedale Line. It was not essential for people to come to Ilkley by car as there was a public transport alternative.

Mr Lishman said he would like to see two-hour parking restrictions introduced with permits for residents.

He also suggested that those living and working in Ilkley could consider walking to work. This would allow customers to park and allow independent traders to compete with the town's larger businesses.

Coun Mike Lynes (Con, Ilkley West) said Mr Lishman's concerns were part of a wider issue - the need for a long-stay car park.

He said: "I would propose we do not just look at the situation at an odd road but at overall parking provision."

He said there was a desperate need for a coach dropping-off point, a coach park and a need for a long-stay car park between the town centre and down by the river.

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