OTLEY’S Maypole might not be replaced until after Christmas, at a cost of £56,000.

The historic landmark was abruptly removed from Manchester Square in June after a safety inspection found it to be rotten and posing an “immediate danger”.

Its removal, just ahead of the Tour de France’s visit to the town, caused widespread anger and concern that it might be gone for good.

Leeds City Council has always insisted it would return and has now announced that funding for a replacement scheme has been approved, with a new maypole set to arrive in a matter of weeks.

Executive member for cleaner, safer and stronger communities, Councillor Mark Dobson (Lab, Garforth & Swillington), said: “It is really great news that funding has been given the go-ahead to install a new maypole in Otley’s historic Manchester Square.

“Work on the site is expected to start in December, and we are really looking to taking delivery of the new maypole, which we hope will be with us, by the latest, in early 2015.

“I would also like to personally thank Otley Town Council for their continued help and support on this project.”

Otley’s three ward councillors, however, are angry that it has taken so long and are urging the council to do everything it can to get the maypole back in place before Christmas Day.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “The maypole was cut down in the height of summer.

“At the time we were promised that it would be restored as soon as possible.

“No one expected it to take five months, but the truth is that we are now fighting to have it back in its rightful place by Christmas.”

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added that the delay had been “intolerable”.

The replacement pole was ordered from a wooden yacht mast supplier, and will be the same size as the original with its weathervane, and other metal features, attached.

The project will also involve replacing the maypole’s base in a bid to prevent future problems with rotting.

A succession of maypoles have stood in Manchester Square since the 17th Century, and the town’s pole, standing at about 75ft, though an 8ft section of that goes underground, is believed to be the tallest in the UK.

The project’s £56,000 costs will cover its purchase and delivery, the new base, the restoration of the weathervane and the hiring of a crane for installation.