AN urgent fundraising appeal for an Ilkley community venue has raised £10,000 - but more is needed to ensure its future.

Like many community based organisations the Clarke Foley Centre in Cunliffe Road still faces financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The centre, which has been supporting older people for almost 40 years, launched its fundraising appeal in early May in a bid to protect its future.

On behalf of the board of directors, chairman Stuart Hyde QPM said: "Thanks to the generosity of our local community we have already raised £10,000 for our urgent fundraising appeal. On behalf of everyone at Clarke Foley, we are incredibly grateful for the support and for the warm response we have received to our urgent appeal.

"However, when fully operational we need £15,000 a month to run our venue, events and charitable activities and so our fundraising continues to ensure we can be here to serve our community once we are able to open again.

"Please help us raise our next £10,000. If you have been thinking of making a donation but have not yet done so, please consider helping us today. You can send a cheque together with a gift aid form to our postal address: Clarke Foley, Cunliffe Road, Ilkley LS29 9DZ. You can donate directly from our website www.clarkefoley.org.uk and click on the donate button on the top right corner."

While the Clarke Foley Centre is unable to open for its usual activities it is being offered temporarily to local businesses looking for work spaces.

Mr Hyde added: "Although we have been unable to re-open our venue in its usual capacity, we are now temporarily helping other local businesses to re-open through the use of our large rooms, halls and spaces. We are offering our premises as a safe place for businesses to operate within social distancing guidelines.

"Our largest hall is still available to let on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, so if you have a business or know of one that could benefit from our offer, please do not hesitate to contact us, and make an enquiry."