A HEARTFELT plea to save Otley’s Citizens Advice Bureau was made to councillors this week.

Vounteers from Otley CAB told the Town Council that their work helps thousands of people from across Wharfedale and Aireborough every year.

The town’s bureau, as revealed earlier this month, is at risk of closure as Leeds CAB seeks to concentrate its services so they are provided from just three offices.

Although a consultation is still ongoing into which of the organisation’s current five branches will close, volunteers at Otley are convinced theirs is on the hit list.

Volunteer Sandy Goulding, speaking at Monday’s meeting, said: “If implemented, the plan would lead to the closure of Otley CAB.

“Our clients come from Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Guiseley, Yeadon, Rawdon, Menston, Wharfedale, Horsforth, other towns and villages to the north of Leeds and elsewhere.

“All of these places have deprived areas and vulnerable people. At £50,000 per annum we are a snip!

“Please, please do not allow the people of Otley and surrounding areas to lose the services of a local CAB.”

Her appeal met with applause.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Prince Henry) accused Leeds CAB of losing its way. He said: “The original CAB wasn’t about a ‘league table’ of deprivation, it was about individuals.

“I’ve asked for a meeting with them and will be lobbying very strongly to retain what is, for a really miniscule amount of money in budget terms, a comprehensive service for the people of Wharfedale.”

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Danefield) added: “It’s clearly highly regarded and successful, and provides incredibly good value for money.”

Councillor Jim Spencer (Lib Dem, West Chevin), an Otley CAB volunteer himself, urged the town council to make contingency plans so they were ready to help should the worst happen.

He proposed “underwriting” the continuation of a local advice service to the tune of £15,000, which would provide the basis of seeking further contributions from places like Yeadon and Guiseley.

Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield) said: “We will make very strongly the case for Otley CAB, as I’m sure the city councillors will too, to Leeds CAB’s chief executive, Dianne Lyons.

“The first priority is to try to make sure it stays as a Citizens Advice Bureau and that the Otley office is retained.

“But, failing that, we’d be open to look at all possibilities.”