WORK this week got underway on thousands of pounds worth of refurbishments to Ilkley's historic White Wells bath-house.

Following criticism by a number of organisations in the town, including Ilkley Parish Council and Ilkley Civic Society, Bradford Council's countryside services department has now called in contractors to work on the 18th Century building, which stands on the edge of Ilkley Moor.

But while contractors will carry out repair work to the roof and repaint the building, the latest round of improvements is not likely to see public toilets reopened.

Countryside officer, David Parsons, said: "I do know we've come in for some criticism, but it'll soon look nice and tidy. There will be a few roof repairs and general maintenance work. It hasn't been done for quite some time."

He said the work, which started on Monday is expected to be completed in around a week to ten days.

Bradford Council was criticised earlier this year by the Ilkley Tourism and Town Management Committee over the condition of the landmark listed building.

The committee, which was expected to meet last night (Wednesday) suggested the creation of a Friends of White Wells group to keep an eye on the historic spa.

Chairman, Councillor Mike Gibbons, welcomed the work, but said more needed to be done.

He said: "Obviously, I would welcome any redecoration and maintenance work at White Wells, but I think some of the problems with the building are more fundamental, and require attention in greater detail."

The Countryside Service's work does not include the refurbishment and reopening of the gents' toilets, which were closed after underground water pipes burst and flooded the facility. The management of all public toilets within the Bradford Metropolitan District is the responsibility of Bradford Council's cleansing services department.

A Bradford Council cleansing spokesman said: "Tree roots and silt from the moor have been causing blockages in these toilets.

It is planned that the ladies' toilet will remain unisex for the time being.

"It will be proposed to the executive in September that the responsibility for these toilets be transferred to the building custodian of White Wells."