OTLEY'S number of town councillors is to be cut from 20 to 15.

The move, due to be implemented at the 2019 local elections, will see one fewer councillor vacancy available on each of the town's five wards.

Otley Town Council's Liberal Democrat group had promised to push for the change in its manifesto before it won control in the 2015 elections.

Leeds City Council approved a request to implement the proposal, as part of a governance review, at its full meeting last week.

Otley council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "I'm pleased that Leeds agreed to our request which fulfils a commitment we made when elected in 2015.

"Our view is that this reduction is commensurate with our population and brings us back into line with similar town councils with similar levels of responsibilities.

"It will further assist in managing and streamlining the administration of the town council, which was a further election commitment that we have fulfilled."

Currently Otley has five councillors in its Ashfield ward, four in Danefield, Manor and West Chevin, and three in Prince Henry's.

The change will be discussed at the town council's Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Monday, January 22.