A LACK of coach parking facilities in Ilkley needs resolving sooner rather than later, according to the town's tourist management committee.

Committee members have expressed concern that would-be tourists are being lost as coach drivers arrive in Ilkley, see nowhere to park and carry on to destinations such as Skipton.

Miggy Bailey, committee secretary, said: "These coach drivers are not stopping and dropping people off because they know we have nowhere for them to park."

Fellow committee member and Ilkley parish councillor Roy Fox is also concerned about the situation.

"This is an issue which is particularly important for the town's shopkeepers. They would certainly benefit from the extra tourists," he said.

Committee members remain as determined as ever to see a successful outcome.

Coun Fox has suggested a site at the entrance of East Holmes field. This would assist such events as Ilkley Carnival and provide a hard surface for the fairground.

The other option mooted was an area by Ilkley swimming pool. Coun Alec Henderson (Con, Ben Rhydding) said it was important to keep the issue burning.

He said: "If you do not start doing something positive you won't get anywhere."

Previous schemes have fallen through due to a lack of funds from the relevant Bradford Council department.

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