ZUT Alors! Ilkley could be in danger of losing its French

connection unless more

councillors get involved.

The civic twinning with the town of Coutances in Normandy has lasted 30 years but is in danger of disappearing because of a low profile and less parish council involvement.

At a recent parish council meeting, chairman Lexa Robinson said: "It needs more councillors to show more interest and try to get more involved because it is a civic twinning."

Many local organisations such as the Rotary Club and Ilkley Swimming Club have regular contacts and exchange visits to France.

But the councillors expressed fears that the official aspect of town twinning could be

downgraded and unless they got more involved, the relationship with Coutances could be left simply as one of friendship.

Parish and District Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Con) called for more young people to get involved in twinning to preserve the relationship and make sure future generations found an interest.

"It is a twinning that could possibly not survive and that would be a very sad thing," said Coun Hawkesworth.

Last year an Ilkley delegation visited Coutances in October. As well as members of the parish council, members of the twinning committee took part.

Among the attractions laid on for the 14-strong group, which included Coun Robinson, were a civic reception, church service and dinner.

This year a delegation from Coutances will visit Ilkley, and parish councillors have called for more involvement on the

welcoming and organising

committee.

Coun Robinson said: "It would be very sad for it to disappear or be diverted to anything else but a civic twinning.

Councillor Patricia Stevenson volunteered to sit on the twinning committee which sits four times a year.

Three former parish council members Alex Henderson, Barbara Cussons and Patricia Glover already sit on the twinning committee as 'Friends of Coutances'.

Following the meeting twinning committee chairman Gordon Hamflett said he agreed with the parish council that the civic aspect of the relationship was very important.

"Personally I have always thought that the civic part should be important and has been a significant part of

what has gone on," said Mr Hamflett.