Ilkley’s already busy voluntary sector could find itself taking on a lot more work as austerity begins to bite.

So far, the town has retained most of the frontline services of Bradford Council, despite quite extensive cuts to funding in recent years.

But similar to Addingham’s takeover of its village library, Ilkley could find itself having to come up with voluntary bodies to fund and operate services the population has been accustomed to having provided by Bradford.

Funding is already pumped into council-owned and managed services by the likes of the Friends of the Kings Hall and Winter Garden, Friends of Ilkley Moor, and the Friends of Ilkley Lido, who have worked hard to make improvements to one of Ilkley’s biggest attractions.

Now, not only could greater responsibility for the operation and funding of the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery fall on the community, but also the running of local youth services.

Budget proposals by Bradford Council are still not set in stone, and the finer points of the future of services are still under discussion.

Organisations already involved in these areas do right to get involved now, however, and start talks with district leaders, just in case major arrangements do need to be made to continue running local services which residents expect.

Charity brings festive cheer

We are sure that everyone will agree that Ilkley looks fantastic with its wonderful display of Christmas lights.

And with festive illuminations about to be switched on across the area, as well as forthcoming Christmas markets in Addingham and Burley, the district is really getting into the swing of the season.

It is lovely indeed to get into the Christmas spirit, for this is a time when we should be thankful for what we have got, reflect upon the year we have had, and look forward to our coming plans.

But Christmas is not the happiest time for some people in our communities, particularly those who are elderly and vulnerable and perhaps do not have the family Christmas that many of us enjoy.

Thank heavens, then, for the selfless work of Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, a charity which brings some festive cheer into the homes of those people who may be alone, housebound or isolated this year.

The group distributes hampers to those in need and their service is greatly appreciated by the recipients.

To ensure they can maintain this wonderful service, though, they need financial donations to allow them to help as many people as possible.

At this time of giving, what could be better than helping someone perhaps not as fortunate as ourselves?