ILKLEY Civic Society is planning a summer of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a landmark act of parliament.

This year sees the 50th Anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act 1967 which introduced listed buildings and conservation areas into the world of planning. Civic Voice has launched The Big Conservation Conversation to celebrate and promote discussion about conservation areas and listed buildings and their future, 50 years on.

There are three conservation areas in Ilkley, Middleton and Ben Rhydding, numerous listed buildings and many scheduled ancient monuments. The town's civic society is planning a number of events during the summer which will focus on conservation.

On June 16 and 17 an exhibition will be held at Christchurch to demonstrate how the conservation areas and listed buildings contribute towards Ilkley’s distinctiveness. In the days running up to the exhibition an information leaflet about the conservation areas will be delivered to homes and business in the conservation area.

Throughout the summer, there will be a series of heritage walks as part of the Summer Festival, as well as a smaller exhibition at the library. The Civic Society is also planning continued conservation work in Ilkley Cemetery, as well as another blue plaque. The society will also propose the war memorial as a listed building

A Civic Society spokeswoman said: "Our listed buildings include Heathcote, the Manor House, the Town Hall buildings and the Lido. Our newest listed structure is our youngest - 'The Story of Wool' mural on Valley Drive. Our scheduled ancient monuments include the carved stones on the Moor, the Old Bridge and the site of the Roman Fort. We would like to identify key unlisted buildings and help to plan effectively the future of those parts of the conservation areas which are changing under pressure of development."

She added: "Ilkley Civic Society will work with other civic societies in the area on conservation area issues and with other local groups sharing an interest in conservation and local history."

Anyone wanting to help with the project should email helen.kidman3@btinternet.com or contact Ilkley Civic Society on 01943 609154.

Ilkley Civic Society is a voluntary organisation, registered with the Charity Commission and a member of Civic Voice, dedicated to conserving Ilkley’s heritage while planning for the future.