Leeds City Council is being urged to regenerate an “eyesore” part of a popular Otley park.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) says the state of the old swimming pool site in Wharfemeadows Park has been raised as a concern by both residents and visitors.

He is calling on the city council, as the park owners, and local people to come up with ideas to improve the area.

He said: “The site has been empty for some time now and is becoming increasingly derelict.

“Given the hundreds of thousands of people who visit Wharfemeadows annually, this eyesore site is not a good advert for Otley.

“A number of residents have already approached us with suggestions for possible uses, including an improved café-restaurant, public toilets, amusement arcade, high-tech business centre or store for boats on the river.

“Obviously, it could also be used as an improved clubhouse for the bowling club.

“Over the last few months many eyesore sites in the town have been or are about to be developed.

“We believe this important, council-owned site should not be left to decay any longer and are calling on Leeds to consult with residents to form a joint vision for the area.

“It is about the whole town having a say in what happens on the riverside and I am asking residents to contact me with their ideas so we can get things moving.”

Coun Downes can be contacted by e-mail on Ryk.Downes@leeds.gov.uk, or by telephone on 07950 008005.