Ilkley Parish Council has awarded thousands of pounds to community schemes including funding to help churches set up a credit union.

The Council’s Awards and Projects Committee granted £350 to Churches Together in Ilkley to buy a computer and printer for a new credit union, being set up in the town next month.

The initiative is the latest scheme by churches to help local people living in poverty. The credit union will be run from Christchurch, The Grove.

The Parish Council has also agreed to give £2,981 to installing high quality wooden doors at the entrance to the toilets under the King’s Hall. This will replace the current metal gates at the toilets, which have been closed for several years.

Further funding agreed included £1,500 for the Ben Rhydding Croquet Club to secure a storage unit.