Last week, BBC Radio Four You And Yours programme broadcast a lengthy upbeat report on Ilkley relating to the Tour de France. Great publicity for Ilkley, even disregarding the cycle race!

During one of the interviews with a representative of the Ilkley business community, it was stated that visitor numbers during the race have been estimated at 50,000 and shops are to expect substantial trade. Contrary to the report, I know three Ilkley shops planning to close during the race, strongly indicating they do not share the same view.

It is my understanding that all mainroads into Ilkley during the race are to be closed from 7am onwards. Therefore I am perplexed as to how these people will arrive in Ilkley other than the limited train service and three minor back roads into Ilkley.

Even calculating four people to a car could mean upwards of 10,000 vehicles into Ilkley, assuming 10,000 visitors arrive on trains. Has the council made parking provisions, one asks? The same question applies to public conveniences etc.

On a related subject I have noticed the council repairing damaged road surfaces/potholes on the race route at what appears to be at the expense of the numerous badly damaged/dangerous roads in and around Ilkley as they are left unrepaired.

Given the poor state of our roads generally I believe it questionable the needs of a one-off cycle race taking priority over the day-to-day safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Our local council tax has risen this year as a direct result of the race. I would be interested to know if I am the only Ilkley resident concerned at the council’s priorities.

A Watson, Ilkley