Scrutiny Board orders inquiry into Otley river fence (From Wharfedale Observer)

Scrutiny Board orders inquiry into Otley river fence

1:14pm Thursday 19th July 2007

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A COUNCIL watchdog has agreed to hold an inquiry into the decision to fence off' part of Otley's riverside - and is calling for all work to be suspended.

The decision has been hailed by Wharfemeadows Action Group (WAG), who put their detailed case for an inquiry to Leeds City Council's (LCC) Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leisure) on Monday.

Leeds' Executive Board voted in June, despite widespread opposition, to push ahead with a safety scheme for Wharfe-meadows Park, Tittybottle Park and Manor Garth Park that would see one metre high fencing installed along much of the riverside.

But the scrutiny board has unanimously backed WAG's request - supported by Otley Town Council and MP Greg Mulholland - for that decision and the process that led to it to be scrutinised.

Scrutiny board chairman Councillor Ted Hanley also successfully argued for work on the fence to be suspended until the inquiry was completed.

He said: "The board has decided there should be an inquiry, with a working group.

"The main issue before us is what happens to the works in the meantime. Commonsense to me seems to say that if you're going to have an inquiry into whether something should be done or not, there would be no point in doing it while the inquiry is taking place. Otherwise we're wasting our time."

WAG member Sylvia Reid told the meeting Leeds City Council had made contradictory claims about the need for a fence - and said the ROSPA report that had recommended it was based on a legal ruling which had been overturned.

She also claimed a failure to properly consult had given the city council a huge credibility problem in Otley.

She said: "Following the presentation of a 6,136 signature strong petition to LCC in April we were given an assurance that the decision would be deferred to the June board meeting to allow time for consultation.

"This was made in the press by the leader Councillor Andrew Carter and at a public meeting held on May 10 by executive board member Councillor John Procter.

"Despite this, six days later the decision was made at the May executive board to fence off the play area and the weir on the basis not to do so would be irresponsible.

"We were amazed: our faith and trust in LCC plummeted. The decision to install fencing along rivers is a misuse of public funds. The council's duty of care can be carried out in a more reasonable manner.

"Good information boards are absolutely essential in providing people with the relevant information that explains the natural attributes and hazards of each park location so they can take responsibility for themselves and their children.

"We hope that even at this late stage you will support our request for an impartial and rigorous review."

Scrutiny board member Councillor Andrew Barker (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said: "I would be totally in support of some form of inquiry, not just to find out what's gone on but also to explore some of the alternatives."

Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: "The decision appeared to be taken without any obvious consultation, despite the fact it would be highly controversial.

"I certainly think alternative proposals were made and could, and should, have been considered. Work on the fences should not start until the scrutiny board concludes its report."

Chief Recreation Officer and Head of Parks Denise Preston, however, disputed some of the claims in WAG's statement, insisting legal advice had been followed at every point.

Executive member for Leisure, Councillor John Procter, meanwhile warned that work on the fence could already be "well down the track" by the time the executive board had met again to consider the scrutiny board's recommendations.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Reid said: "We're delighted. We have piles of evidence and questions going back to 2005."

Otley town council leader Councillor Jim Spencer said: "This is great news. The opportunity is now given to us to investigate the city council's relations with the town over this and by implication many other issues which affect the town.

"What we want out of this is an understanding of what went wrong with those communications and how to get it right in the future."

Mr Mulholland said: "I am very pleased. It is clear that what little consultation there was, was not genuine or adequate, and that LCC failed to listen to Otley Town Council, elected representatives and campaigners and rode roughshod over local people's views.

"I still believe, if this is handled properly, we can reach a solution that fulfils LCC's duty of care but does not spoil Wharfemeadows Park."

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