THERE will be a change of venue for Otley Town Council's next meeting.

Usually held at the council's Otley Core base the Monday, March 27 event will take place at The Bridge United Reformed Church, on Bridge Street.

The switch to a larger hall is in anticipation of public interest in some of the agenda items, including a proposed resolution about the future of the Civic Centre.

But it is also part of a wider initiative to take the council's business out into the community, as Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) explained.

He said: "We have decided to experiment with taking the full council meetings more widely around town to encourage residents to attend and see our work.

"There is modest public space available in the Wharfedale Room in the Orchard Gate offices and so we thought it worth a try to take the council out a bit more, knowing we would be able to accommodate more members of the public.

"Our plan is to take further meetings to schools and other venues if appropriate, and we would welcome invitations!"

The full council meeting on Monday begins at 7pm and will be immediately followed by a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee.

Other items up for discussion include a proposed resolution in support of Otley Courthouse's expansion plans.