ROWING boats look set to return to the River Wharfe in Otley this summer.

Work has been going on behind the scenes for several years to see if a local businessman's boat hire plans could be implemented.

Speculation about the scheme was fuelled last week when workmen were spotted repairing the river steps in Wharfemeadows Park.

Now Otley jeweller Chris Thornton has confirmed that the work, which included treating the steps with anti-slip paint, was linked to his project approaching completion.

He said: "Most things are in place but the thing that could delay me the most is the safety training of the staff, which I couldn't book until I got a contract from Leeds City Council.

"I would have loved to have been opened for Otley Show day, with at least a few boats out, but the training has to be done first and it takes time.

"I still don't have a contract as there are a couple of small issues to resolve with the Environment Agency but we are making good progress and the training will hopefully start soon.

"I want to make it clear that all parties - Otley Town Council, Otley BID, Leeds City Council and the Environment Agency - are helping to get this launched and we are not far off."

Boats were a popular attraction in the town for years but the last hire business closed in 2001 during the Foot and Mouth crisis - and a backdrop of rising insurance costs and health and safety demands.

Successive Town Councils, aware of the potential tourism benefits, have backed Mr Thornton's plans.

Current Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) believes the final hurdles are 'very close' to being overcome.

He said: "Until terms had been agreed and signed none of us really wanted to be 'pushing out the boat' for publicity.

"Inevitably, however, the start of the repairs work on the steps has generated interest which is perfectly understandable as everyone wants to see this happen.

"A lot of work has gone on patiently behind the scenes to make this happen and resolve the various challenges as they have presented themselves.

"Health and Safety is the primary concern but all questions have been properly addressed and Chris is raring to go and has some boats identified in order to be able to quickly start the service."

Georffey Birch, posting a photo of the river steps work onto the Otley - The Community We Live In Facebook page last week, provoked a flurry of replies by asking: "Are we getting the boats back?"

Ann Page said: "Fingers crossed it happens, brings back some lovely memories", while Dianne Birch added: "Can live in hope that we do get them back. Would make a lot of money for LCC I would imagine."