VILLAGES in South Craven have literally been left in the dark as publishers fail to include them in the Bradford A-Z map book.

The lost villages came to light after vice-chairman of Steeton-with-Eastburn parish council, Coun Dianne Lear, highlighted the fact that Eastburn was not included in the latest edition of Bradford's A-Z.

Further investigation revealed that Eastburn is not the only village to be omitted.

Steeton and Silsden also do not exist, according to the book.

Coun Lear, who has lived in Eastburn for the past 12 years, said: "It seems we are the forgotten village.

"I found out we were not in the A-Z when the postmaster in Eastburn said customers were buying map books and then bringing them back because the village was not included.

"I think it's ridiculous - it's not much to ask that we are included in Bradford's A-Z when we pay our rates the same as everyone else."

The decision on which villages make the final A-Z cut rests with the publishers.

A spokesman confirmed Eastburn, Steeton and Silsden do not feature in its latest Bradford A-Z, but said they all appeared in the West Yorkshire edition.

"The map has to end somewhere and we cannot possibly include every village in Bradford. We are constantly being asked to extend further, not just in Bradford but across the country. We have no plans to include the villages.

"We try to give as much coverage as possible, but the amount of information included also depends on sales in a particular area," the spokesman said.

Craven ward councillor David Emmott, who lives in Eastburn, added: "I don't think it's good enough.

"These villages are an important area of Craven and should be included in the A-Z."