OTLEY has launched a major campaign to attract visitors as the country begins to open up after the third Covid-19 lockdown. The market town is inviting visitors old and new to sample its fabulous outdoors, independent shops and authentic Yorkshire welcome. The historic town that bridges cosmopolitan Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales has drawn up a marketing campaign for the remainder of 2021 that aims to tap into pent-up demand for travel by highlighting its unique attractions under the heading Only in Otley. The campaign will focus on a wide range of attractions, including the expanses of the Otley Chevin, the banks of the tranquil River Wharfe, the town s history, and its wide range of shopping.
OTLEY Town Council is freezing its precept as it builds for the future. Councillors unanimously passed the budget this week and agreed the precept freeze, recognising the financial pressures on residents. Money for projects which will support the environment, be consistent with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and support healthy lifestyles are major parts of the budget. Councillors stressed that, during a pandemic, and despite ambitious plans for improvement in Otley, it was right to set a 0 per cent precept rise. To support this they sought efficiencies in administration and will continue to do so. Environmental projects alone take up 20 per cent of the 2021-22 budget. Improvements are proposed to the Gallows Hill Nature Reserve which has been much used by walkers during the pandemic, and some small initial works are planned for the Wharfedale Greenway. A major public consultation on Street Vision 2030, the council’s plans for reimagining the stree
HUNDREDS of people have commented on the East of Otley consultation which finishes this week. The consortium behind the scheme, which includes 550 homes, say the response to the consultation has been excellent, with thousands of views of the website. The consultation is being undertaken by the Otley East Consortium - a group of organisations working together to deliver the mixed use allocation. Members responsible for bringing forward the hybrid development are Leeds City Council, Persimmon Homes and Lovell Homes. Further phases of the development scheme may be brought forward by other landowners and companies included within the consortium. A spokesman said: The current public engagement process is taking place to highlight the scheme and advertise the process, prior to the submission of a formal planning application to the local authority. It provides an opportunity for residents, stakeholders and interest groups to tell the East of Otley Consortium what is important to