Ilkley and its surrounding villages should not miss out on shaping the future, a district councillor has warned.

Coun Richard Wightman (Con, Rombalds) said residents should ask some 'hard questions' of Bradford Council.

An important debate about the district's future will be held next month and Coun Wightman believes Ilkley, Addingham, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston must not miss out.

He feels many people in the four places mentioned do not feel part of Bradford and simply want to know what the council has

produced for their benefit, miles from City Hall.

The 20/20 Vision for Bradford campaign was launched last month by chief executive Ian Stewart and council leader Coun Ian Greenwood.

The aim is to transform the district's economic, environmental and social status now and up to the year 2020.

Mr Stewart is adamant that as many people as possible should participate and have a say on the future of the district in which they live. At the launch he said: "Everybody in the district will have their say on how we should prepare to meet the challenges of the next century."

Residents will have their chance to put forward views on September 30 when television broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald will lead a debate on the 'future.'

Mr Stewart said: "This council and our private and public sector partners are totally committed to this vision for the district."

A detailed programme of consultation with business, community groups, the voluntary sector, local and national politicians, faith groups and young people is already under way.

This consultation will form the basis of a definitive strategy for the district which will be launched around the millennium.

Coun Greenwood said: "This is the biggest consultation we have ever carried out and it is vital that all the public and private sector partners in this district work as closely as possible to meet our shared goals."

"We have made it plain that this initiative is not just a talking shop," he said.

Residents wanting to follow Coun Wightman's advice and ask 'hard questions' can contact the council via website address www.bradford.gov.uk/2020vision, or via freepost address 20/20 Vision, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Freepost DB 2909, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1BR.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.