‘IF you can’t come to Ilkley, let Ilkley come to you!’ is the message of a new campaign aimed at supporting local businesses who are able to continue trading during the coronavirus pandemic.

'Ilkley to You' has been set up by the Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) to promote businesses who are still in a position to offer their services or products to customers.

Helen Rhodes, Ilkley BID Manager, told the Gazette: “We are in an ever-evolving situation now so realise that even the option of ordering for delivery or collection might change but for the time being, we want to encourage the lovely people of Ilkley and surrounding areas to continue to support our businesses.

"Everyone can help by ordering from them but also by following Ilkley To You on Facebook and Instagram and checking out the website, which we are continuing to populate with relevant information – www.ilkleytoyou.co.uk."

Julie Mountain, from Café J on The Grove, Ilkley, is one of the businesses involved in the campaign.

She said: “We are delivering to some of the local residential homes as well as to individuals and can take orders by phone so we are not restricted to those who can order online.

"I prefer to keep busy and offering a delivery service means we are keeping ourselves visible to both previous and potential customers.”

Matthew Broadley, owner and head chef of Broadley’s Bistro in Ilkley, along with his wife Kerry have opened up Ilkley’s first ‘drive by’ fish and chip service, operating from Broadleys on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday teatime.

Customers simply ring through their order, pay and collect at the restaurant, all safely and in line with the current regulations.

The pair have also set up Broadley’s Corner Shop.

They can still get produce from their suppliers including meat, fish, fruit and vegetables so they’ve set up a shop on the Broadley’s website so that again, customers can order, pay and then either collect or have their order delivered to their door.

Matthew said: "We were devastated with the news that we had to close, although it was the right thing to do and we’re fully supportive of the government’s decision.

"All my staff are on furloughed leave but I just wanted to do something to help our many loyal customers and lift their spirits. We have been humbled by the many messages of support we’ve had and the number of orders coming through is growing daily."

Ilkley BID has purchased insulated food delivery bags for their members who are delivering food and are also helping to cover the cost of deliveries.

Helen added: "If people continue to use our local shops, restaurants and services as much as possible during this period, it will mean they have a much better chance of getting back to normal sooner.

"We are hoping everyone will get behind this and share the campaign with their family, friends, colleagues and business associates, this is a time for everyone to pull together.

"If you are not continuing to trade yourself, please think about the fact that helping these other businesses will help everyone in the long run - maintaining a unique and varied offering which is unlike many other town centres is a real selling point for Ilkley."

To see the full list of businesses offering products or services in Ilkley visit www.ilkleytoyou.co.uk.

Businesses who are continuing to trade can also visit the site and complete an online form to request an entry on the site.