The co-ordinators of special Tour de France activities have thanked Ilkley people in advance for their co-operation, patience and understanding, with disruption expected around the big race this July.

Ilkley2014 made the announcement at its most recent meeting, after hearing from Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Councillor Mike Gibbons, about the disruption likely to be suffered by some.

While for many in Ilkley, Le Tour is an exciting, unique and magnificent occasion, it will bring with it an amount of disruption for some, the meeting heard.

In a statement, the Ilkley2014 group said: “With this in mind Ilkley2014 would like to formally thank in advance all Ilkley residents for their during what will be a very unusual few days. We sincerely hope that residents will access and enjoy both the race spectacle and the activities that are being organised for the town.

“We do however fully recognise that this may hold no interest to some local people and may cause inconvenience. If you are planning on leaving or returning to Ilkley around the weekend of July 5 or 6, or indeed feel you may need to access resources in town, please try and make arrangements that will lessen the possible impact brought on by closed and/or very busy roads along with high numbers of people in Ilkley.”

The group is reminding residents that information about road closures is available online at ilkley.org/letour, from the parish council office or from Bryan Websdale on 07786 443710.

The meeting also heard of the latest plans for the Grand Depart official spectator hub in the Riverside Gardens, and the creation of a celebratory souvenir guide.

The Hub will be in operation from Thursday, July 3, until Sunday, July 6. It will be a free for all event and include live entertainment, food, drinks, large screens, stalls as well as world record attempts.

The souvenir guide, being edited by local resident, Rachel Hagan, is designed to celebrate Le Tour and also help to encourage visitors to return to Ilkley.

It is hoped the guide will be of use to both residents and visitors, and will include a programme of events being held in Ilkley.

A public meeting will take place at the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, on wednesday, May 14, starting at 7pm.