Cononley residents enjoy living in the village, but would like to see more evening classes and clubs, according to the results of a local survey.

Parish councillor Becky Ward has spearheaded the survey, Your Village Your Voice, which was distributed to every household asking what people liked about the village and what improvements they would like to see.

More than 80 households returned their questionnaires, which have been collated by the parish council, and will be presented at its annual general meeting on March 11.

Miss Ward said: "I am pleased with the response to the questionnaire although this is only the start. Without the support and commitment of local people, it will be impossible to carry out some of the excellent suggestions.

"It was worrying that some existing groups were struggling to survive and desperately need people to get involved.

"Cononley needs committed individuals to produce a news-letter or organise a beck clean up or more importantly for everyone to take responsibility for their litter, dog fouling and parking so that Cononley remains a great place to live."

There was high praise for lengthman Nicky Bunting, with even a suggestion of reviewing her salary.

Other improvement ideas included more litter and dog bins, more flowers, repairing road surfaces, setting up a village care group and upgrading and cleaning the village's toilets more regularly.

Recycling facilities were another priority - with 89 per cent of respondents saying they would like to have more opportunity to recycle, along with improved publicity and signage for existing facilities.

Concern was expressed over minor vandalism, dog fouling, litter, the volume and speed of traffic coming through the village and racist attacks on the Indian takeaway restaurant.

And residents wanted to see more facilities for older children and young people, and for carers and people with disabilities.

A skatepark was another suggestion, which will be discussed at the annual general meeting.

Respondents would also like to see more evening classes and clubs held in the village.

Suggestions for improving the playing fields included: a wall for ball games, removing the bandstand, a tennis court, more garden maintenance, more litter bins, repairing the fence between the bowling green and the court making it more secure, installing floodlights, equipment for older children and more paths and flower beds.

Residents would also like to see a permanent nursery in the institute, improved access for the disabled and redecoration.

They also want similar improvements at the sports club and ground - and would like to see more public events held there.

There was also considerable support for more police foot patrols in the village and better consultation between residents and police.

Miss Ward said that she welcomed the suggestions made, but stressed that the residents' co-operation and assistance was needed to make them happen.

She said: "A report is no use if no action follows it and it is people who make actions happen. Hopefully this report will make the village an even better place to live."

The questionnaire will now be used as evidence to gain action from other bodies, and to allow the parish council to respond more effectively to the needs of the village.

The parish council will present the results of the survey at the annual general meeting on Tuesday March 11 at 7pm in the village institute.

There will also be information about the skateboard park proposal and an item about traffic issues.