More than 30 farmers and landowners were given a run-down on how the summer’s Tour de France in Craven could affect their businesses.

The meeting in Threshfield was an effort by Craven District Council to help farmers cope with the tour’s Grand Depart when it passes through the district in July.

Sharon Hudson, who is co-ordinating event planning for the council, said it had been good to see so many people turn up.

“There were frank discussions about farmers’ concerns, but in a general spirit of co-operation,” she said.

“It is so important we have those conversations now so we can look at the alternative arrangements that can be put in place.”

She added many had come up with offers of land as a result of the meeting.

“We were very pleased at the number of landowners that came forward to discuss opening up their land for car parking and viewing areas to help make the Tour de France in Craven a great success,” she said.

The meeting, which was also attended by the National Farmers Union, the police and North Yorkshire County Council, discussed issues such as possible damage to walls and alternative car parking if bad weather meant fields could not be used.

The NFU’s Tim Palmer, based in Skipton, said it had been a positive meeting and added that the council was doing a good job in planning ahead for the event.

“There were good discussions and lots of ideas from farmers, the support from Craven council and North Yorkshire County Council is very much appreciated,” he said.

He added that farmers either wanted to get involved in the Grand Depart or not, and those that didn’t were being offered signs to prevent casual parking or camping on their land.

One issue still to be resolved was any possible damage to drystone walls caused by people climbing on them and who would be responsible for repairs.

Welcome to Yorkshire is planning to hold a further information session for farmers at Skipton Auction Mart when full details of road closures are expected.

Meanwhile, to receive Craven District Council’s Tour de France newsletters and updates, farmers and other businesses can email tourdefrance@ cravendc.gov.uk or visit cravendc.gov.uk/letour.