OTLEY councillors have formally agreed to do all they can to support the Courthouse's expansion plans.

Otley Town Council passed a resolution on the issue this week at the same meeting where a motion on the Civic Centre, plus the council's future location, was approved.

The Courthouse is hoping to create a large, up to 400-seat auditorium on Leeds City Council owned land to its rear, should the plot become available for an affordable price.

Some have seen the plan as being in competition with other schemes that are being proposed for the Civic Centre, which would use that property's upstairs as a large theatre or entertainment space.

Members of the town council's Policy and Resources Committee on Monday were at pains, however, to stress they did not view the two goals as 'either-or'.

Instead, they added a line to both resolutions explicitly stating their support for both the Courthouse and the Civic Centre.

The resolution, which was passed unanimously, states that: "Otley Town Council congratulates and thanks the Otley Courthouse for its excellent cultural contribution to our community.

"The council notes, with appreciation, the recent presentation made to it for the Courthouse's expansion plans.

"Accordingly, the council resolves to provide whatever assistance practically possible in support of the Courthouse in order to help it achieve its goals, provided this does not compromise the prospects for the Civic Centre to reopen for community use."