PEOPLE in Menston will get a chance next week to hear about the future management of Ilkley and Rombalds Moor, and the formation of a special group to fund work on the moor.

Bradford Council Rural Services Team member, Chris Pilkington, will present the council's action plan for the future of the wider moor to villagers at Menston Neighbourhood Forum on Wednesday.

The forum, at Kirklands Community Centre, Main Street, traditionally gives residents a chance to hear about and discuss many community issues affecting the village, and the chance to hear from experts in various topics, police and local authority officers.

The moor talk will focus on the soon-to-be Restorers of Ilkley Moor project, which it is hoped will raise funds for the moor. Among the spending needed on the moorland is the cash to revive the acres of Ilkley Moor seriously damaged by last summer's fire.

Membership subscriptions will be used to pay for work, such as planting heather to attract wildlife back to the blighted landscape.

The council is giving the talk in Menston as it is one of the communities bordering the wider Rombalds Moor, however.

Villagers are also expected to hear about other issues affecting the area, including proposals for Menston Abbeyfield, a charity providing affordable residential care and companionship to the elderly, the nearly complete extension on the Cornerstone Café and the Menston in Bloom project.

The meeting will begin with a chance for residents to raise concerns about issues affecting Menston, before presentations from police and Bradford Council.

PC Stuart Hudson from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will give an update on current crime and community issues, including action against a recent rise in burglaries.

Bradford Council's Shipley Area Co-ordinator will give details on how the Respect Agenda, which is focused on combating anti-social behaviour, is being implemented across the Bradford District.

The meeting will also hear updates from Menston Parish Council and information about local planning applications.

Any residents are welcome to attend the forum, which begins at 7.30pm. For further information, contact the Shipley Area Co-ordinator's Office on (01274) 532780.