FOR the first time in years the future looks bright for Ilkley's Edwardian twin entertainment complex with the setting up of a charitable trust to raise badly needed money.

Although there have been some positive moves lately, such as the refurbishment of the front of house, the re-upholstering of seats and the promised money towards a new roof, there have been many worries about the long-term viability of the King's Hall/Winter Gardens complex.

While the local authority can be legitimately criticised for not spending significant money for many years, and for appearing to hide behind a very long drawn out and ultimately unsuccessful bid for funding from the National Lottery, it is time to put the irritations of the past behind us.

If the 'Friends' project proves successful and a charitable trust is created, more lottery bids could be in the pipeline, this time with a greater expectation of success.

Bradford Council theatre chiefs have realised that the town of Ilkley would be a lot poorer without the Station Road complex and we can only applaud the support shown to help its future prosperity.

There are so many groups in and around the area which would benefit from the restoration of the Kings Hall/Winter Gardens, such as the many music and drama societies, and they are all capable of contributing events to raise money.

It also has a licence to hold weddings and would, if restored to its former glory, prove a winner with local couples. As an exhibition venue, it has also proved a popular host for many shows whose organisers and exhibitors love holding events in Ilkley.

The town of Ilkley needs a top class entertainment and exhibition venue to match its other top class facilities and tomorrow's official launch of The Friends of the Winter Gardens/King's Hall could be the first step along the road which sees a dream turn into reality.