Otley's controversial river fence was vandalised by people using specialist tools (From Wharfedale Observer)

Otley's controversial river fence was vandalised by people using specialist tools

8:00pm Tuesday 16th October 2007 in Local news By Newsdesk

A section of Otley's controversial river fence has been removed and thrown into the River Wharfe.

The vandalism happened over the weekend and is currently being investigated.

It is thought that specialist equipment was used to remove the section of one-metre high fencing which was only erected last week by Leeds City Council despite massive local opposition.

The section that was removed was due to be rescued from the River Wharfe today and put back in position.

Coun John Procter, Leeds City Council's executive member for Leisure, said: "This is criminal damage. The panels were taken down using specialist tools.

"Those tools were used to vandalise and discard eight panels that were thrown in the river. They have been recovered and are being put back in.

"We understand all of the issues and recognise that the decision taken has not found favour with everybody, but the fact is it was a democratic decision taken by elected members.

"I was in Otley looking at the fence and was stopped by two different people, who didn't know who I was, who said they didn't know what the fuss was about.

"The fence that has gone in is much more modest than what many people thought. For it to be treated like this is a bit silly."

Otley Police Inspector Simon Hepworth, has urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "There was no permanent damage to the sections of fence. However, quite clearly this was wrong and whoever has done it has committed a public disorder offence.

"However controversial the fence might be the decision's been made that it is necessary and people have to respect that. The prevailing view is that by removing the fence they could have been putting people at risk, so whoever's done this needs to think very clearly about their actions."

Ken Creek, Conservative candidate for the Otley and Yeadon ward, contacted the Wharfedale Observer after being made aware of the damage.

He said: "Although I feel that the erection of the fence is an affront to the democratic process, I fully condemn the wanton vandalism of the fence.

"This vandalism does our cause no good and these actions weaken our positionin the eyes of the Council and general public. The only way to have the fence removed is to follow all legal and democratic procedures.

"The fencing at the bottom of the river could be swept away and cause a greater danger as an obstruction.

"Looking at the sections of the fence where they have been removed it begs the question over the quality and safety of the workmanship, if sections of the fence can simply be lifted of and thrown into the river."