SKIPTON residents will have an opportunity to raise important issues at the annual town meeting tonight (Thursday).

It will be followed by the annual meeting of Skipton Town Council, which will include the election of a new mayor for the coming year.

Dave Parker, chief officer said the annual town meeting was a chance for registered voters to raise issues of concern.

"It provides an opportunity to talk about any matter relating to the parish – and if those present wish to do so, they can pass a resolution which can then be considered by the council.

β€œThe meeting can be a very direct way of raising matters of concern and, although any vote taken is not legally binding, it does provide members of the council with a good indication of the issues local electors would like them to investigate.”

It will be chaired by the current mayor, Cllr John Dawson, and will be his last official duty.

Both meetings will take place in Skipton Town Hall, with the annual town meeting starting at 6pm, followed by the annual council meeting.