TALKS are underway to save Ilkley's tourist information office - with councillors pledging to provide the best service they can for people in the town.

The centre has been threatened with the axe as Bradford Council looks at ways to cut £172,000 from its tourism budget in the coming year.

The future of its four visitor information centres is under review, and consultants have recommended closing the offices in the tourist hotspots of Haworth, Saltaire and Ilkley - but retaining the Bradford city centre office. A formal decision is due to be taken later this year by council bosses.

The report, by strategic director of place Steve Hartley, says consultation is on-going with Ilkley Parish Council, which is considering funding two members of staff to retain a visitor centre in the town's library. In Haworth the Bronte Society is hoping to take on the running of a visitor information centre.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for environment, sport and culture, said the discussions in Haworth and Ilkley were "looking very positive".

She said: "No-one has come up with definitive proposals. There are a number of options being looked at and questions from people in the community."

Cllr Ferriby said they were also looking at novel ways in which visitor information services could be delivered, either through the use of new technology or through pop-up tourism centres at some of the big events in the district.

Ilkley Parish Council Chairman Stephen Butler said: "The decision about the VIC will be made by BMDC in September. The Parish Council is considering options to retain the VIC and even improve the offering for tourists in Ilkley. We are determined to provide the best service we can for tourists in our town. Bradford MDC want to do their best for tourists too, despite the difficulties, and we will help as much as we can."

Ilkley councillor Mike Gibbons said: "We are committed to the retention of the visitor centre in Ilkley. Not only for use by the residents but also for the many thousands of people who visit our town throughout the year."