A DATE with destiny has been set for the people of Pool-in-Wharfedale who have the chance to shape the future of their village.

A 'village appraisal' is being launched by the parish council to form a set of guidelines identifying its needs, deficiencies and assets.

The first step in its creation will be taken at a public meeting on Tuesday, September 15, when the format of the appraisal will be outlined.

And although the parish council is leading the move, members want villagers to take control of the appraisal by forming an action group.

At a meeting of the parish council this week, chairman Chris Leggatt said: "A lot of the advance work will be done through information we

will circulate as a parish

council."

Coun Leggatt warned the meeting, at Pool's Village Hall in Arthington Lane, would have to be very 'concentrated'.

"The meeting starts at 7.30pm and we have to be out by 9.30pm so it will have to be kept tight," he said.

At a previous meeting Coun Leggatt had warned against turning the meeting into a 'shouting shop'.

"It won't be for people to moan about what the city council and parish council have or have not done - if anyone tries that they will destroy the point of the public meeting."

Detailed information about the appraisal - which will be community-led - is to be delivered by councillors to every

Pool household during the summer to ensure the whole village knows about the

plan.

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