Olympic hopefuls will help town to move forwards (From Wharfedale Observer)

Olympic hopefuls will help town to move forwards

3:15pm Thursday 26th July 2012 in Our view

Campaigners in Otley have every right to feel miffed after being rejected for the second time to become a Portas Pilot town.

It has to be accepted that it was an uphill challenge, and the pot of Government money at stake was little more than a weekly lottery win.

But it would have pump-primed so many things that could have benefited the town.

If a town like Otley, with a commitment to succeed and a solid development plan, isn’t worthy of help, then in some respects the double blow beggars belief.

The good thing to come out of this is the certain knowledge the town will accept, adapt and move on and keep fighting for its belief in the town’s future.

It will also be good this weekend for the decision-makers to tune into the Olympic Games and listen to the word ‘Otley’ reverberate around the globe.

That will come through the bid for gold by a daughter of the town, cyclist Lizzie Armistead.

Lizzie, 23, is the favourite to become a national hero in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace, when she takes part in the women’s road race on Sunday.

Also going for gold will be rower Debbie Flood, from neighbouring Guiseley.

She came home with silver medals in Athens and Beijing.

It is interesting to note that Lizzie hadn’t taken part in a competitive race when Debbie won the first of her medals.

All we can say to the duo and other local athletes is ‘go for it’.