A PARISH meeting is being held at 7pm on Tuesday, October 3, at the King’s Hall, Station Road, Ilkley.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss Ilkley Town Council’s involvement in, and financial support for, a town-wide 20mph zone with associated road humps.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Town Council said: “A parish meeting is not a council meeting but a meeting of electors and an opportunity for electors to have their input into matters that affect Ilkley and Ben Rhydding.

“Residents are asked to arrive from 6.15pm and please be aware that names will be checked against the electoral register to ensure only electors vote on any matters where a vote is required. It would be helpful if you know which electoral ward you live in.”

James Stretton and other members of the Ilkley Road Safety Group called for the parish meeting, which could lead to a town poll – a referendum – to gauge widespread feeling about the 20mph zone plans.

Under the regulations, if ten residents attend the meeting and support the town poll, then it must happen.

As reported in last week’s Gazette, Ilkley town mayor Karl Milner has declined to chair the parish meeting saying any resulting poll will cost the town’s council taxpayers at least £30,000 – and will prove pointless.

Mr Stretton has responded to Cllr Milner saying: “You state that, when it comes to influencing the decision regarding the 20mph blanket speed limit and associated 100 speed cushions (one in either direction at 50 locations) plus eight speed tables, the moment has passed. You presumably believe this is because you and your supporters on Ilkley Town Council handed all power for the design of the scheme to Bradford when you agreed to continue to support the buying of Ilkley’s way up Bradford’s list of priorities with £87,500 of Ilkley taxpayers’ money – just shy of £15 per household. Therefore you regard the speed-calming scheme as a fait accompli.

“However, it is still within your gift – and yours alone – to tell Bradford that feelings continue to run high in the town and that you would rather pause for reflection and consultation. All you have to do is advise Ilkley Town Council that you have reconsidered, tell Bradford that you will not be sending them the money and the scheme will be put on hold.”

The parish meeting is likely to be recorded.

For more information about Parish Meetings and Parish Polls visit Ilkley Town Council’s website at towncouncil.ilkley.org

For information on Ilkley Ward polling districts visit bradford.gov.uk.