OTLEY’S MP has criticised a property developer for refusing to meet campaigners pushing for a replacement Dunnies cafe.

The popular cafe and the adjoining Wharfe View News, off Bridge Street, were boarded up months ago and are awaiting demolition to make way for a new 48 flat care home.

But campaigners have been calling on Gladman Developments to talk to them about a possible replacement. Talks that Leeds City Council said, earlier this year, they would be glad to join.

Now, however, the company — which was first asked to come to the town last year — has refused again.

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), who with resident Ian Adamson has been leading the campaign, said: “By refusing to come and meet me and local residents and campaigners, who have repeatedly expressed concern over Dunnies, they have made a mockery of their claims to work with communities and shown scant regard for the people of Otley.

“Dunnies attracted a large number of cyclists and motorcyclists and has been an important landmark since 1925.

“The removal of the cafe has changed the character of the riverside area and diminishes the appeal of that area for tourism.

“The developers have now twice refused to come to Otley to meet local people to discuss how the iconic Dunnies cafe can be incorporated into their plans and retained.

“I will continue to support residents and their desire to maintain local facilities such as this, and will continue the dialogue with the developers and Leeds City Council in the hope we can find a solution that works for everyone.”

Mr Adamson added: “More than 850 people signed a petition to support Greg Mulholland in his attempts to enter into discussions with Gladman Developments about retaining a cafe on this site.

“It is very disappointing they have chosen to ignore the views of all these people and not even agree to meet the MP to enter into discussions and an agreement.”