The question of poverty in Ilkley is one which has been simultaneously thrust into the spotlight by two organisations, working entirely independently of one another.

It has always been acknowledged that Ilkley’s buoyant property prices, to name just one example, are not necessarily an indicator of the individual wealth of all members of the community.

In fact, there have been quite vocal calls over the years for affordable housing, because there are people born and raised in Ilkley who will have to move away from their families to find a place to live.

The revelation that townspeople have needed the help of a food bank, however, may surprise some.

The explosion of food banks in communities all over the country has been a phenomenon of the past few years, coinciding, not surprisingly, with recession.

One of the most recent areas to establish a food bank was Otley, just a few miles down the valley. Now Churches Together in Ilkley feel there is a need for one in the town – not only to collect food for distribution in areas of greater overall poverty than Ilkley, but also to assist Ilkley residents in need too.

It will be interesting to hear more about the research done locally, inspired by a national report by a coalition of churches, attacking common public perceptions of poverty. This information could help the community at large look objectively at the issue and work out exactly what can be done.

As the countdown to the arrival of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France creeps towards the big day, plans continue to be made by groups and businesses in Wharfedale.

As well as local organisations and officials looking at potential problems – ranging from finding volunteers for various tasks to the upheaval of having a major cycle race pass through the valley – plenty of thought is going into what can be gained from it.

Businesses, especially those who thrive on tourism, will no doubt have realised the possibilities long ago.

But now it is the turn of local people and bodies to look at long-term gains, which could benefit the wider community Longer-term facilities for cyclists, plus the expected cultural festival and legacy, are now being discussed, and the key is for local people to get involved at this stage.

CYCLE OF SUCCESS FOR TOUR ARRIVAL

As the countdown to the arrival of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France creeps towards the big day, plans continue to be made by groups and businesses in Wharfedale.

As well as local organisations and officials looking at potential problems – ranging from finding volunteers for various tasks to the upheaval of having a major cycle race pass through the valley – plenty of thought is going into what can be gained from it.

Businesses, especially those who thrive on tourism, will no doubt have realised the possibilities long ago.

But now it is the turn of local people and bodies to look at long-term gains, which could benefit the wider community Longer-term facilities for cyclists, plus the expected cultural festival and legacy, are now being discussed, and the key is for local people to get involved at this stage.