CONCERNS have been raised that parking recommendations proposed for Ilkley by Bradford Council are a 'fait accompli' despite a public consultation taking place during which strong opposition has been raised.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley), attended a full Bradford Council meeting on Tuesday when the question was asked of council bosses: "What is the latest situation on the parking review for Ilkley after the recent consultation?"

The answer given was: "We are proposing to implement these recommendations and are currently consulting on them."

Cllr Hawkesworth said: "I have previously voiced residents' concerns that officers were inferring the recommendations were a fait accompli and they were just going through the motions.

"This answer doesn't do much to allay my fear that they will be bounced in without due consideration to the very real and genuine criticisms being made. It appears to me the town is facing a critical time.

"We need to retain vibrancy and life and the effect of some actions could adversely effect the town's future."

The latest body to voice concern is Ilkley Civic Society. Chairman Helen Kidman said: "We are concerned that rather than an overall coherent strategy, what is being presented is a series of tactical solutions, the impacts of which have not been evaluated on each other."

Councillor Jackie Whiteley (Con, Wharfedale) has written to Cllr Alex Ross Shaw, the portfolio holder responsible for the parking review, to voice her concerns. She said: "I am very concerned that Bradford may impose a short term solution which will impact badly on the businesses in Ilkley which are as important to the surrounding villages as Ilkley itself.

"I hope that common sense will prevail and a sensible plan will be implemented to improve parking facilities. We need more not less parking but where it will have the least impact on residents."

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Ilkley’s parking problems are well documented. The town has become a major transport hub with commuters parking on residential roads which has meant residents have found it impossible to park outside their homes and parking spaces intended for shoppers are being used for all-day parking.

“An independent review of the existing parking issues in Ilkley was commissioned by the Council. It made a number of recommendations which the Council has been consulting on.

“The proposals aim to allow local residents to park outside their properties, increase parking space turnover for shoppers and provide better parking facilities for disabled drivers. We also want to encourage more sustainable and healthy travel like walking, cycling and public transport, which can reduce demand for parking in the town centre.

“Due to the significant interest in the proposals, we extended the consultation period and held an additional drop-in session which was attended by hundreds of local residents.

“We are carefully considering hundreds of submissions which have been collected online, at events and in interviews with residents and businesses.

“An initial questionnaire by John Grogan MP on the proposals found a strong level of support for the recommendations but we are aware of concerns about individual elements, and we’ll be looking at ways we can address these before any final proposals are drawn up.

“The next step is to report on the findings of the consultation and adapt the proposals where necessary.”