Businesses in Otley are being urged to get on board to support a scheme that could rejuvenate the local economy.

First steps towards creating a £70,000-a-year Business Improvement District in Otley were taken on Monday with a meeting for preliminary discussions about the proposal.

Otley’s push for BID status will be officially launched at a further meeting in January.

Tom Hatley, who is on the executive committee of the town’s chamber of trade, said the meeting had gone well.

“We are now looking to push forward with the BID planning,” he added.

“We are looking for any other business owners or members in Otley to get on board if they want to join the committee.”

Mr Hatley said they would now be providing information and conducting research that will hopefully convince people the BID is worth voting for. The move follows confirmation Otley Town Partnership has become a Town Team Partner, securing a £10,000 government award and access to advice. Otley Chamber of Trade, in partnership with Otley Town Team, invited firms to the meeting on Monday.

Contact Mr Hatley on (01943) 851080 for details.