THE two bodies paying for a public consultation over the proposed Sustrans path from Addingham to Bolton Abbey said this week they had no problems with it despite claims that it is flawed.

Opponents of the proposed bridle, footpath and cycle way have used the internet, placards and statements at last month's parish council meeting to call for a halt to the current consultation process.

They say that for various reasons - including the fact that forms asking if people support it or not, are not supplied to each person on the Addingham electoral roll - it is not valid.

They also don't like the fact that the man carrying out the consultation, Jeff McQuillan, has previously worked for Sustrans as an agent on planning applications for the Great North Trail and as chairman of the Great North Trail Forum.

The Gazette put those concerns to Bradford Council and North Yorkshire County Council, the local authorities funding the consultation.

Gordon Gresty, corporate director for business and environmental services at North Yorkshire County Council, which is putting up around £2,000, said: "This is a public consultation to gauge the public's opinions on the proposals - going by the attention it has received and the enormous number of responses on the Ilkley Gazette website, it is certainly encouraging local debate.

"We were glad to provide money to fund the consultation and are keen that the Wharfedale Trail Forum garners views from across all corners of the local community.

"We are satisfied that the forum has followed all procedures correctly and confident that the appointed consultant will work closely and well with all stakeholders."

Addingham Parish Council chairman Gordon Campbell said that the original application for funding was turned down by Bradford. He said: "We inquired with Bradford as to whether or not funding was available and we were refused. We advised Sustrans of that in writing. Later a further approach was made by the Wharfedale Trail Forum to Bradford and North Yorkshire which they agreed to."

The Bradford Council spokesman said: "Bradford Council had no involvement in the appointment of the consultant, as it was clear that a consultant had already been appointed by the Forum.

"Bradford Council agreed to fund the consultation exercise on the basis that the consultation also included a route between Addingham and Ilkley, and that such a proposal was already shown on the adopted Unitary Development Plan.

"This funding, which totalled £6,150, was offered on the basis of a 75-25 per cent split with North Yorkshire County Council. To date, no money has been paid out for the consultation as it is still ongoing."