LAST week saw the paved areas in the majority of the town centre professionally cleaned.

The work was funded by Ilkley BID (Business Improvement District), a business-led and business funded body formed to support and improve the local trading environment for businesses.

Helen Rhodes, Ilkley BID Manager said: “One of the four areas detailed in the BID business plan is to keep the town clean and attractive.

“Whilst our focus is to maintain Ilkley as an attractive place for our businesses, encouraging people to visit, eat and shop, it’s great to deliver a project that is also widely appreciated by the residents and other town centre stakeholders.”

The work was carried out over five evenings to keep disruption to a minimum and included chewing gum removal as well as general washing with a natural detergent.

Shop windows were then cleaned to ensure the next days trading was not affected.

Emma Lishman, vice-chair of Ilkley BID added: “The response from people has been amazing and just shows how much pride there is locally about our town.

“I don’t think people realised how dirty the pavements were until they were cleaned.

“The Brook Street area sees a lot of pedestrian traffic and the gum removal and washing here has made a big difference.

“We’re really pleased with the results and will consider whether this should be an annual project, perhaps in future done each spring.”

The work was completed by UK Nationwide Cleaning Services, one of three companies who tendered for the work.

Chris Henderson, managing director told us: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work in Ilkley.

“It’s a really attractive town and the street cleaning has clearly made a big difference.

“We have had great feedback throughout this programme from businesses, residents and visitors.

“Ilkley BID have been fantastic to work with and really has the passion to make Ilkley an even greater place to visit.”

Anyone who wants to keep up to date with the projects Ilkley BID are providing can sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, please contact Helen by emailing info@ilkleybid.co.uk.