Hint of climbdown over Otley river fence plan (From Wharfedale Observer)

Hint of climbdown over Otley river fence plan

10:36am Thursday 3rd May 2007

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ALTERNATIVES to a massively unpopular safety fence for Otley's riverside will be unveiled in the town next week.

Leeds City Council leader Councillor Andrew Carter has written to all 6,136 signatories of a petition opposing the fence inviting them to comment on the new plans at the Civic Centre next Thursday.

No details of the alternative proposals have been released yet but in a letter to Wharfemeadows Action Group (WAG) Coun Carter suggests they may represent a major climb-down from the original scheme.

He said: "I can't promise no fencing at all but a reduced and unobtrusive scheme with access to the river may well be possible."

Members of WAG, meanwhile, met with representatives from RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and Otley MP Greg Mulholland last Friday to discuss their concerns.

RoSPA is now drawing up new recommendations for the city council to consider, and outlined some of those safety measures during the two-hour discussion.

They include introducing better signs, the use of access gates' to the river and improved protection for the children's playground and the weir area.

WAG member Sylvia Reid said: "It was a lively and productive meeting and there was a robust and frank exchange of views.

"We took this opportunity to explain to RoSPA why their original proposals were unacceptable in Otley and to emphasise our determination to see commonsense prevail in any new ones."

Fellow WAG member Tony Hartigan said: "While we respect RoSPA for coming to face the opposition, we are not confident that they appreciate the unique character and history of Wharfemeadows Park.

"The real experts are the people of Otley who have enjoyed using the park safely for generations. Some of them pointed this out to RoSPA last Friday as they walked by the river.

"We are nevertheless grateful to our MP for arranging the meeting at this crucial time and for the continuing cross-party support in the town for the campaign."

"We have expressed our concerns to the council about the timing of this information meeting because a 5.30pm start is not a good time for working parents.

"We've also written to say we want very clear indications about what mechanism will be used to consult with the people of Otley and how long this consultation will be."

Mr Mulholland, meanwhile, applauded the decision to show the new plans to townspeople before any decision was made.

He said: "I am very pleased to hear that the original RoSPA proposal has now been thrown out. There is consensus that something needs to be done about the children's play area and the drop by the weir, but it is vital that the park retains its appeal."

WAG's Linda Lukats is now urging people to attend next week's meeting, which is expected to last for a couple of hours.

She said: "This will be the first and possibly the only opportunity to be given by Leeds for everybody to be properly consulted about this important issue, which has caused so much concern. It is what we ve been demanding."

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