A TRUST wishing to restore a part of Ilkley's heritage is appealing to townsfolk for their input into the project.

The Bradford Building Preservation Trust is seeking to find a more suitable resting place for the headstones of some of Ilkley's most illustrious families.

The action comes weeks after the Ilkley Gazette reported that the stones had been piled up in a clearing at Ilkley Cemetery and not moved for more than 30 years.

Several have become covered in moss and debris and appear to have cracked.

The trust, which is presently restoring two listed chapels at the cemetery, says with the help of residents it may extend its work to 'rescue' the stones.

David Morton, of the trust, said: "If there are no underlying problems and the funding is available, the trust would be happy to consider relocating most if not all of the gravestones.

"Either upright alongside the chapels at Ilkley cemetery or laid flat in the small areas of land adjacent to them.

"Although this is obviously not their original location, it is a far more suitable place for the gravestones of some of the forefathers of present day Ilkley than their forlorn present site."

Mr Morton said the two main obstacles the trust must overcome are ownership and funding.

Mr Morton said he was unclear as to who rightfully owned the stones. He said: "We should make sure exactly who owns them. If people came along and said we would like to take ours and put it in a cemetery with other members of their family, obviously we would listen to that.

"If nobody responds we would like to take that as general support for the idea."

The second consideration in the project is funding. Mr Morton said the trust could apply for a lottery grant to complete the project but that sponsorship from a local firm would be a favourable option.

He said: "The problem with any grant is that it takes time. The simplest way would be if there was an organisation in Ilkley, who said for the benefit of the town we will put some money in."

The trust is also considering applying for cash from Bradford Environmental Action Trust, which manages funds raised from tipping duties.

The stones, some bearing the names Middelton and Bolling, were originally in the grounds of All Saints Parish Church.

They were moved in the 1960s under the auspices of the former Urban District Council.

Paul Tudge, present vicar of All Saints, said he would support the idea.

Mr Morton added: "The church, the local authority, and the people of Ilkley think this is a good idea."

Anyone with any strong concerns or claims to the stones should write in the first instance to the Ilkley Gazette.