A local estate agent says the sale and letting of nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space in Otley is a ‘positive’ sign for the town.

Dacres Commercial has recently sold the former Atkinson Dacre Solicitors building, on Boroughgate, to a residential developer and let the former Westgate Surgery to a specialist autism services organisation, Autism First.

Matthew Brear, from the firm’s agency division, said that showed there was revival taking place in the town’s commercial property market.

He said: ‘Both these transactions are great news for Otley.

‘Although the town currently has a few empty commercial units, new businesses and organisations are very much attracted to Otley.

‘These two deals are a positive indicator that they will invest in the town, which has a thriving and supportive local community that continually results in high levels of footfall.’ Autism First, which provides support services for adults with autism and Asperger’s syndrome, is already up and running while work on the Boroughgate property is expected to start soon.