SIR – Ilkley in Bloom were pleased to be awarded Silver Gilt in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition this year and would like to thank all those involved in achieving this result, from Keith and his team in parks and landscapes to individual residents whose well-maintained gardens impressed the judges, to residents who either join our organised litter picks or pick-up litter whenever and wherever they see it, and of course all other groups whose members work towards maintaining Ilkley both in the town and on the moor.

Marks were lost because of highway weed control and also the condition of street furniture both of which issues we shall be discussing with Bradford Council. It was disappointing to read in the paper last week that the cleansing budget for Ilkley is to be reduced.

Kate Brown, Honorary Secretary, Ilkley in Bloom