ADDINGHAM has appointed a lengthsman for a year to help keep village streets neat and tidy, as further local authority cutbacks loom.

Addingham Parish Council has appointed former Bradford Council employee Richard Mulligan as a lengthsman on a 12-month contract.

Chairman Cllr Catherine Coates saidit had been a goal of hers for many years to see the role reintroduced.

She said: “Previous lengthsmen in the village had been very well regarded by residents and I feel that it is important for the parish council to have someone out and about who can help keep the village at its best.

“They are also the eyes and ears for the parish council and will hopefully be able to address an issue before it becomes a problem, either reporting it through the right channels to Bradford or by the parish council dealing with it.”

She said she was concerned about the number of Bradford Council services which had already been cut and expected to see the village affected by more in years to come.

Coun Coates worked with Silsden mayor, Chris Atkinson, and Bradford Council to create the new role.

Meanwhile the parish council has also frozen its precept for the next financial year.

The total amount raised will be £27,126, with Band D properties being charged £15.95 a year for parish council services.