COUNCILLORS are spearheading a major new economic plan for Silsden, Steeton and Addingham.

Craven ward politicians Jack Rickard and Andrew Mallinson hope to develop the villages’ tourism potential as part of their “coherent and forward-looking” plan.

They will also look at businesses, public transport and the potential benefits from canals, footpaths, cycleways and railway links.

The councillors met with Bradford Council chief executive, Kersten England, last Thursday to seek top-level support for their strategy.

The two men, who serve on Bradford Council, plan to “engage deeply” with businesses, residents and other stakeholders to develop a plan.

Cllr Rickard said this is expected to be a first step to bidding for potential funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to support the ‘visitor economy’.

He added: “I speak daily with residents and business owners with really inspiring ideas for the economic future across the ward.

“We want to raise the level of action around the economic sustainability of the ward, which is principally rooted in the visitor economy.”

Cllr Rickard said although Bradford district relied on visitors for ten per cent of its economy, the figure is between 80 and 90 per cent in Craven.

He called for joined-up thinking to ensure activities to boost the visitor economy are coherent and effective across all neighbourhoods in the ward.

Cllr Rikard added: “This initiative will ensure residents get a real voice to influence the future. It is my intent that local issues can be reframed within the context of an economic vision for the ward.

“This strategic planning will ultimately shape conversations with transport providers for Silsden, Steeton and Addingham.

“We will work with businesses to get their input and create better conditions for more and better business support.

“We also want to build a fact-based case for really lifting our strategic assets so they become a better part of the local offer. Our canals, walkways, cycleways and railway links are huge, underdeveloped, underused assets that could be so much more."

Cllrs Rickard and Mallinson recently met residents to discuss ideas for enhancing the Leeds-Liverpool Canal route.

Cllr Mallinson said it is essential the economic development of the Craven ward is seen as an urgent priority.

He added: “If Craven is going to be a commuter centre, we have to ensure money is retained in the local area.

“One idea we’re working on is tourism – to bring people into the area to spend money.”

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