“A KICK in the teeth” for the town and local volunteers.

That is how the decision to press on with the closure of Otley’s Citizens Advice Bureau has been described.

Leeds CAB has confirmed it will proceed this year with “the closure of drop-in advice sessions at the four Bureaux in Crossgates, Morley, Otley and Pudsey”.

The organisation says the change, first mooted last November, is part of a shake-up that is needed to meet rising demands while coping with less funding.

But local politicians and volunteers have pointed out that the assistance currently offered in Otley represents outstanding value for money.

Otley Town Council’s controlling Labour group is vowing to do all it can, despite the bleak outlook, to keep the local service going.

Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “While I understand the financial pressures which led Leeds to reduce its annual grant of £1.6 million to Leeds CAB by about ten per cent this coming year, the closure of the drop-in sessions in Otley is really disappointing, especially given the long, close and effective relationship the town council has had with Otley CAB including help with their funding, particularly over the last four years, when an additional £12,000 was provided.

“I have asked Dianne Lyons, the CEO at Leeds CAB, to meet us again as there are some issues which need clarification and we wish to discuss further the possibility of retaining an Otley CAB service.”

The town’s ward councillors were scathing in their reaction.

Cllr Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “This is a kick in the teeth for the excellent volunteers at Otley CAB who delivered excellent value for money.

“I note Leeds CAB have said appointments can be made to visit a welfare rights worker at the One Stop Shop, but they list the old address on Boroughgate that was vacated years ago!

“That makes me wonder just how much they understand Otley or have researched into our needs.”

Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: “It is now clearer than ever that the closure is a result of the city council’s decision to remove services from the outer area and concentrate them in the centre and Chapletown.

“Economically. there is no reason to close Otley - it is the cheapest to run and sees proportionally more people than any other bureaux.

“We must do everything we can to support the volunteers and their wish to keep things going.

“The town council needs to commit to long-term funding, and we would all support this - it could keep everything going until a long-term solution is found.”

Leeds CAB says local people will still be able to receive advice through an improved telephone and online service, and by arranging sessions at venues like GP practices and One Stop Centres.