A VOLUNTEER group working to improve Ilkley’s riverside parks area has received a cash boost from the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale.

The money will help the Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks (FOIRP) put into effect plans to provide more effective litter collection and education in Riverside Memorial Park.

The Friends have agreed with Bradford Council, who own the Park, that the high capacity bins currently in the children’s playground area will relocated in the wider park area to help with the lack of capacity there, and new children’s bins will be put in the playground area.

While the Friends have applied to the Community Asset Fund for some of the funding for this project, the Rotary Club have agreed to help make up the difference.

The Community Asset Fund is the Asset Based Community Development Fund (ABCD). It was set up by Well Wharfedale and the Wharfedale Community Partnership and is administered by the Bradford VCS Alliance.

Ed Duguid, Chair of Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks said: “The children’s bins are fun and will hopefully encourage children to always think about putting their litter in the bins where these are available.

“We really appreciate the Rotary Club stepping in and helping us out with this project.

“It is important that we ensure we do not repeat some of the problems we have with litter in the park during the summer and have sufficient capacity in the main park where people like to picnic.

“At the same time it is an opportunity to work with parents to get the right messages across to young people as early as we can. A double whammy if you like!”

The bins will arrive in the playground area of the park in advance of a major renewal project for the playground area, which will be fully launched shortly.

Marilyn Ginn, president of the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale said: “It is a pleasure for the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale to be supporting an initiative that is of benefit to the children’s play area as well as being so worthwhile for the town and its visitors.

“Many of our membership live locally and we will be able to see how our donation has been spent when we visit the Riverside Park. ”