TWO major surveys are to be carried out across South Craven to discover what residents think the area is lacking.

Every home in Cowling, Cross Hills, Glusburn, Kildwick, Farnhill, Cononley, Bradley, Sutton and Lothersdale will receive a questionnaire next week.

The survey asks questions on education and training, employment, tourism, the environment, transport and other social issues.

The results will be used to put together an investment prospectus to attract both Government and European money. It follows on from a bid to set up a development trust in South Craven by the area's voluntary action group.

Its lead officer, Milton Pearson, told the Herald: "This will give a local flavour to what people think about the area they live in and how they would like to see it improved.

"Once we know what people's concerns are then we can look at specific projects."

Mr Pearson urged everyone who received a questionnaire to take the time to fill it in.

"The bigger percentage of completed questionnaires returned, the better chance there will be of funds coming to South Craven."

Special collecting boxes have been set up around the district for the forms to be returned.

These are located at post offices in Bradley, Farnhill, Cononley, Glusburn and Cowling, Place's Place store, Main Street, Sutton, the Hare and Hounds at Lothersdale, and the Co-op store, Cross Hills.

The survey is being sponsored by the Ecology Building Society and Turner's Solicitors, Cross Hills.

South Craven Community Action is already spearheading a project to revamp Cross Hills' library.

Meanwhile, residents living in Silsden could soon have survey forms dropping through their letterboxes.

The Silsden Enterprise Action Team (SEAT) has been set up to establish people's views on community needs in the town.

Originally the idea of former parish councillor Benita Smith, it is now headed by Methodist minister the Rev Alan Sharp.

Representatives from the Yorkshire Rural Community Council and the Countryside Agency will be attending its next meeting to talk about the type of survey which could be carried out.

Suggestions have included a village design statement to look at planning issues and a Silsden audit.

"We have consulted other local areas which have done surveys, including Oxenhope, Ilkley and Menston," said Mr Sharp.

"At our last meeting in October there were some who felt a design statement was what we needed to do in Silsden, but a number of others felt it was too planning focused.

"None of us could really speak about alternative types of survey, so it was agreed to invite representatives from the two supporting agencies to our next meeting. Anyone concerned about the future of Silsden is invited."

The meeting will be held in Silsden Methodist Church on Thursday from 7.30pm.