Wednesday, 12 August
2009
Ilkley Gazette
Wharfedale Newspapers
8 Wells Road
Ilkley
LS29 9JD
Dear
Editor
A recent
Telegraph article referred to the need for a farming revolution. I
suggest along with that goes a thought revolution in our town and
city halls. Locally derived and sold food will soon become a thing
of the future, very near future if truth be known, not a flight of
fancy in a council chamber. Ilkley residents were let down again.
Why? Because someone in a council chamber did not like their rural
retreat having a market. What prey was that we had last week?
Somewhere I have an email from a councillor advising me said
‘continental’ market was an opera! I don’t recall seeing any
Merchants from Venice. There is, on the InterNet, and in Bradford’s
Legal Department historical evidence of Ilkley having two Royal
Charters. One for a market and one for a fair. Dating to 1229 or
thereabouts. The excuse a monthly market, held on a Sunday, would be
detrimental to the town’s small traders is poppycock. Of said
traders, who open on a Sunday, sell goods found on a Farmers
Market? Of those who are how many sell life’s essentials?
Shortsighted
views in council chambers have done this town much harm over the
years. Time methinks, for such views to be re-addressed. This is
the 21st century Ilkley, not the 19th . White
Wells Plunge Bath apart, Ilkley’s spa status has long been dead as
too it’s genteel manners. That which estate agents call The
Address is fast becoming another pong proof patio in suburbia.
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