OTLEY looks set to be without its Maypole for at least another month.

The 75ft tall historic landmark was removed last June after a section was found to be dangerously rotten.

Many in the town called on Leeds City Council to take urgent action to get a replacement in time for the Tour de France’s visit the following month. However, work on preparing the site for a replacement did not begin until December.

Now the city council has confirmed that the new pole will not be installed until late February or early March – though all the other work at the base has been completed.

Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “It looks like the new Maypole will be delayed yet again. We were promised an immediate replacement but this was delayed while Leeds argued about who should pay and we were given a further date of December – which has now been put back again.

“I have asked for a guarantee that we will have the Maypole back for May Day.”