AN MP has praised an Italian restaurant for having faith in its new Otley location.

Buon Apps moved from its original base at Wharfebank Mills - formerly Wharfebank Business Centre - at the end of 2017 to become part of the Garnett Wharfe development.

The move saw co-owners Alessandro and Elena Sofia Proietti swap one riverside location, on the outskirts of town, for another nearer the centre.

The area has recently benefitted from the return of hire boats on the River Wharfe along with the redevelopment of the former Garnett paper mill by David Wilson Homes.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) popped in to Buon Apps recently to meet Elena Sofia and Alessandro.

He said: "I am so pleased to see Buon Apps thriving at a new location.

"It was a great pleasure to meet Alessandro and Elena and all the hard-working staff, and to witness their drive and enthusiasm for what they do.

"Businesses like this build on the growing cultural presence on the banks of the river, whilst also providing the family-run atmosphere for which Otley is well known.

"It is really important that Otley maintains its cultural significance and that we ensure we encourage the necessary infrastructure, such as hotels and other visitor accommodation.

"But we also need to continue to tackle the traffic levels, particularly going across the river - the current level is unacceptable and is hampering the great efforts of all those who are trying to help Otley thrive."