THE campaign to attract Lottery funding for Ilkley youth facilities could receive a boost as early as January next year.

Councillor Roy Fox (Lab, Ilkley South), the chairman of the Ilkley Youth and Community Association, is confident a lease for the Warehouse building in Little Lane will help the association step a little closer to vital funds.

Speaking after the association's annual general meeting, Coun Fox said if a lease with Bradford Council for the building could be sorted out quickly, hopefully by January, the bid for lottery funding would swing into action.

Coun Fox is already playing his part in trying to secure more funding for the Warehouse. He was due to meet an Ilkley College representative this week with a view to the Warehouse being used for adult education purposes.

Coun Fox said: "It would be of benefit in two ways. It would create some extra revenue for the Warehouse as well as being an Ilkley location for education."

Coun Fox renewed his appeal for the town to really get behind the Warehouse and provide Ilkley's youngsters with excellent facilities.

He said if any future lottery bid was to be successful, the support of the Ilkley public was vital.

Coun Fox hopes increased support will eventually lead to the building of a sports hall on the back of the Warehouse. This would increase the range of activities on offer for youngsters using the Warehouse.

He also renewed his appeal for fresh input to the Warehouse Project, with practical and financial offers of help welcome.

Back in October Coun Fox said he hoped that the lottery success of other Ilkley community groups could also pave the way for a successful Warehouse bid.

"We have seen the Playhouse and the Up-Stagers make successful Lottery bids. With community backing for the Warehouse, hopefully we'll be successful as well," he said.

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