OTLEY Liberal Democrats have announced two candidates for the forthcoming Town Council by-elections on May 6, following the resignation of two councillors on Ashfield Ward and Danefield Ward. Tom Featherstone has been selected for Ashfield, which comprises all addresses north of the river and west of Newall Carr Road, while James Sebright has been selected for Danefield, which includes homes east of Gay Lane and south of Side Copse, and out towards Pool. Both Tom and James grew up in Otley, and still live and work locally. Tom is a committee member of the Otley Defibrillator Scheme, and works in adult social care with Leeds City Council, for a service helping people return home after hospital into a safe and supportive environment. James previously worked for Greg Mulholland when he was the Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, and now works in marketing for Otley manufacturing business Craftsman Tools. Both candidates are focused on making Otley a better and more enjoyab
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