Scrutiny Board widens scope of Otley river fence inquiry (From Wharfedale Observer)

Scrutiny Board widens scope of Otley river fence inquiry

9:11am Thursday 13th September 2007

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THE SCOPE of an inquiry into the decision to fence off some of Otley's riverside has been widened - and a call has been made for work to be suspended.

Leeds City Council's (LCC) Scrutiny Board (Culture and Leis-ure) agreed on Monday to add Chief Executive Paul Rogerson and Simon Jackson QC to its witness' list.

The move came after it was confirmed no written legal advice had been given to LCC chiefs by Mr Jackson before the decision to push ahead with fencing for Wharfe-meadows Park was taken.

Representatives of RoSPA - the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, whose report to the council prompted the safety scheme for the park - will also be asked to meet the board.

Scrutiny board chairman Coun-cillor Ted Hanley is also urging Leeds' executive board to re-think its decision to over-rule a call for the fencing work to be frozen.

He said: "It is very important, given the significance of this issue to people right across the city, that the inquiry is as wide and far-reaching as possible.

"It is only and right proper that some of the key people who were involved in making this decision are given the chance to explain to the board their reasons for doing so.

"This I hope will help alleviate the concerns which have been raised, especially in Otley. I recognise there are some real safety concerns and following a board visit and discussion with members of Wharfemeadows Action Group (WAG), it is my view that the small area near the weir and the children's playground should be fenced off as a matter or urgency.

"I urge the council to take this action as soon as possible but to put a stop to the remainder of the scheme until the scrutiny board has had time to conclude its inquiry."

WAG member Sylvia Reid said: "We would support this. It seems to satisfy balancing the health and safety needs that have been identified for the areas by the weir and the children's play area whilst protecting the inquiry. On such an issue which LCC knew from the start would have such overwhelming opposition from its electorate, to go ahead with a proposal without written legal guidance is in my opinion unbelievable."

Several scrutiny board members were also surprised the QC's advice had only been verbal. Coun Brian Jennings said: "This man's advice seems to have played a very crucial part in this whole process and if there isn't any written advice it does surprise me. I think we ought to try and see him."

Coun Bernard Atha said: "Our lawyers must have taken a detailed note of what counsel has said and that is what we ought to now see."

WAG has asked Otley's City councillors Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes (both Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon), to back a motion calling for the suspension of work to be debated - but without success. They say the move would be inappropriate and ineffectual.

The inquiry will be run over three sessions, and aims to produce a final report in October or November.

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