Otley protesters claim major advance in river fence battle (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley protesters claim major advance in river fence battle

4:49pm Thursday 22nd March 2007

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PROTESTERS of Otley's river fence have claimed a major step forwards in getting the proposals overturned.

Following a meeting yesterday with the leader of Leeds City Council, the Wharfemeadows Action Group (WAG) has been reassured that nothing will happen until the result of independent legal advice and consultation with the public.

Tony Hartigan, of WAG said it had been a positive meeting with council leader, Councillor Andrew Carter.

"We did get assurances that until such time that all the areas of concern that we had raised had been looked at properly and until counsel's opinion on a variety of issues, nothing will go ahead.

"They have also recognised the need to consult with the residents of Otley. We think this is a major step. We had a very frank meeting and Coun Carter responded well."

Coun Carter said he was not happy at all' with proposals to fence off the river following a safety report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

"If we can find another way of protecting the public and our staff then we would want to find it.

"I have also made it very clear that I believe that not enough public consultation has taken place."

Coun Carter added: "I hope that we can bring things to a satisfactory conclusion, but it all depends on the legal opinion that we are seeking. We have to safeguard the safety of the public and we have a duty of care to our staff."

Coun Carter added that it was a pity that the council had found itself in such a predicament following the tragic drownings of the two youths in Roundhay Park, which had led to the RoSPA recommendations.

Meanwhile, transport is being laid on to ferry protesters to Leeds on April 18 when WAG members will present a petition to the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal.

More than 2,000 people have so far signed WAG's petition calling for the council to drop plans for a fence which would stretch from Otley Bridge to the White Bridge.

Linda Lukats from WAG said: "In view of the overwhelming opposition from the people of Otley to RoSPA's misguided and excessive recommendations, we are not surprised to hear that the council and RoSPA are now discussing alternative proposals.

Unfortunately, nobody has yet had the courtesy or good sense to provide the people of Otley with the details of these revised plans.

"WAG continues to call upon the council to hold the long promised public meeting to give local residents their first opportunity to listen to and comment on measures which could, if not stopped, ruin this well loved riverside park."

l Anyone who would like transport to Leeds Civic Hall on April 18 should fill in a booking sheet at Otley Civic Centre. The petition can be signed on Sunday at the Otley Town Partnership stand at Otley Farmers Market.

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