Controversial plans to change South Craven parish boundaries have sparked anger.

Proposals to merge the Cowling electoral ward with Cononley and Lothersdale were rejected at a Craven Council meeting.

The merger idea - to form a single two-member ward - was blasted by Aire Valley councillor Joan Ibbotson, who lives in Cononley and spoke for the village.

Her ward includes Bradleys Both, Farnhill and Kildwick, as well as Cononley.

She told the meeting: "We feel that to be taken out of the Aire Valley ward is wrong because the River Aire runs through the village, the Aire Valley trunk road runs near us and the railway goes right through the village.

"That's how the people identify themselves and we also have very close links with Bradleys Both, Kildwick and Farnhill. By going with Cowling, we will lose that identity and we have nothing in common with that parish."

Councillors agreed Cowling should remain a separate ward.

Bradleys Both, Farnhill, Kildwick, Cononley and Lothersdale are to form one two-member ward.

Craven Council's recommendations now go to the Local Government Commission, which is reviewing the electoral arrangements for all district councils in North Yorkshire.

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