As a sign of respect and solidarity this week, a Ukrainian flag supplied by Ukrainians currently living in Ilkley, was raised in Ilkley's Riverside Park.
The flag is beside the twining flag and is with the support of David Lynch of Ilkley Petanque Group.
At the Ilkley Town Council meeting on Monday, Councillors agreed that a Ukrainian flag should also fly on Brook Street on this Friday 7th March.
Larisa Korol, one of the 70+ Ukrainians currently in Ilkley and a member of the Ilkley Ukraine Support Group, who attended the Council meeting said:
“Thank you very much for your decision to support us again, this is really very important for all of us. The Ukrainian flag is not just a flag - this is a piece of our homeland, this is the blue sky and yellow wheat fields of Ukraine, this is a sign that we are not alone in the UK and we feel support both; here, from you and in Ukraine from your government and volunteers”.
[Stepan Pundiev, a Ukrainian living in Ilkley, at the Pétanque area in the park]
Ilkley Town Mayor, Cllr Damian Kearns said
“On Friday morning at 8am, Ilkley Town Council will raise the Ukrainian flag on Brook Street as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian Community in Ilkley. It is a small mark of respect and a reminder of the suffering of all those people displaced by conflict across the globe’.
The Ilkley area welcomed many Ukrainians as part of the ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme’, and the town has been very generous with its support both practically and emotionally. Many families, individuals and local groups have, and continue to, offer their support and friendship. The majority of the people here are now living independently and are working, with children attending local schools, as well as being involved in local voluntary groups within the town.
Birthday card appeal launched for Ilkley woman turning 106
Ilkley Fire Station welcomes hundreds for annual open day
Ilkley MP says lessons must be learned from A65 roadworks
Thrill-seekers' skydive raises £5,700 for children's charity
Ilkley nursing home opens new landscaped garden
Ilkley Half Marathon raises more than £55,000 for local good causes
Yorkshire children invited to nominate their parents to be 'slimed' on CBBC
Yorkshire Water completes A65 work two weeks early
Sir Gareth Southgate among sporting stars heading to Ilkley golf event
Ilkley wine merchant to open third venue in Haworth
Ilkley MP demands answers from Royal Mail over postal delays
Bard in the Yard returns to Ilkley Manor House this August
Community comes together in Ilkley to address young men's mental health
Record-breaking Ilkley Open serves up more than 1,100 matches
Ilkley Playhouse unveils packed season of drama, comedy, music and live entertainment
GALLERY: Thousands celebrate Yorkshire Day in Ilkley
MP criticises lack of progress on Ilkley roadworks as Yorkshire Water extends working hours
Right at Home celebrates official opening of new office
The Little Calf offer free play sessions
Ilkley Civic Society launches search for the town's best building and conservation projects
