Action is being taken to help improve the appearance of Ilkley’s streets following criticism of the state of the town centre.

Aged and rusting litter bins in the town centre are being replaced, according to Bradford Council. And one of its officers has offered to visit Ilkley and carry out a visual audit of problems reported.

Sue Gledhill, of Keighley Area Co-ordinator’s Office, told Ilkley Parish Council that Bradford councillors had agreed to put money towards new litter bins for Brook Street which should be in place by the end of this month.

Mrs Gledhill said she was happy to go to Ilkley to carry out a “visual audit of maintenance issues,” which are the responsibility of Bradford Council – but she warned the authority’s budget was constrained.

“It simply is a case that the district council budget is very stretched, but certainly the district councillors all share the view that it’s very important we do as much as we can do,” said Mrs Gledhill.

Kate Brown, of Ilkley in Bloom, asked the parish council if it would be possible to employ a parish caretaker or contractor to help maintain good standards in the town centre.