Addingham'S first bistro could open soon and create about five jobs if planning permission is granted.

Penny and Rodger Clark, of Ilkley, have submitted an application to Keighley planners for a change of use for 146 Main Street, Addingham, to become a restaurant and wine bar.

Mrs Clark, who has had experience in the catering business, said: "We would like it to be described as an eaterie serving good food rather than a wine bar where people will just go for a drink.

"We would like the challenge of setting something like this up in Addingham. There aren't any restaurants in the village and we wouldn't be taking any custom away from the pubs as the type of meal and atmosphere we would be offering would be different."

She said they would employ a head chef and assistant chef and about four or five people to wait on. The couple would also work in the restaurant.

"My husband works in road construction but as they're not building many roads around here at the moment he wants a job nearer home and a change of direction," she said.

"We like working with people and we would like to run a friendly eaterie."

Mrs Clark also runs Ladies in Waiting, a one-to-one companion agency for elderly people, and a hairdressers in Ilkley.

Councillor Stephen Crossley-Smith, parish council chairman, said: "The building is empty at the moment and we would rather see it put to use than standing empty. We will be considering the application and who it affects at the plans meeting next week."

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