People in Pool-in-Wharfedale are joining forces to help shape the future of their village.

A small steering group has been set up to head a survey which will establish the needs, assets and key concerns in Pool.

And members are urging other residents to support the scheme which could eventually help fight against unwanted development and for improvements to public transport.

A public meeting held this week heard how an appraisal could be a vital tool for communities trying to hang on to their identities.

Stan Roocroft, North Yorkshire development officer for the Yorkshire Rural Community Council (YRCC) which helps villages with appraisals, said the documents achieved at the end of the process had helped other communities win important battles.

"This aims to improve the quality of life for all those people who live and work here. It is the opportunity for local people to celebrate and praise, or moan and groan, about the area in which they live, to air their views about it," he said.

"At the same time it enables you to examine the needs and future wishes and aspirations of a community. Local people can help to shape the future of their own village."

Mr Roocroft said village appraisals had become increasingly popular during the last ten years as people felt they should be consulted over key issues which affect them.

Public transport and planning matters were frequently the most controversial aspects raised by village appraisals, said Mr Roocroft.

Resident Ken Shaw agreed that a collective voice was needed to fight against unwanted development in Pool.

The form of the appraisal has yet to be decided but could involve a questionnaire being delivered to every village household seeking opinions and information on any matter ranging from employment to the environment or sports clubs and organisations.

Mr Roocroft said: "This provides you with hard evidence for information if you are making a claim or trying to raise funds.

"It also brings local people together, establish a network of information and inspire those people to take action."

Seven residents agreed to take the scheme forward with a meeting at Pool Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm on Monday, October 12.

Councillor Chris Leggatt, chairman of Pool Parish Council, which has launched the appraisal but will not lead it, said: "The biggest disaster would be if we did not go forward in some way.''

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.