PEOPLE in Otley are being urged to back the "all or nothing"Otley Lido appeal which is coming to an end in just over a week.

The campaign is proving successful in attracting funding and is also being backed by West Yorkshire Mayor Trace Brabin, Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel and sporting hero Alistair Brownlee. But it still has some way to go before the November 1 deadline.

Leonie Sharp, chair of the Friends of Otley Lido committee said: We have been crowdfunding for five weeks now and have just over a week to go to realise our target of £53,000. This is to pay for all the specialist studies essential to move our project forward. Without this we cannot progress and will sadly have to consider if we can continue. We have raised over 33,000 with the Sport England pledge. Scores of local businesses have offered rewards for our community to pledge on.

"We are meeting with a number of community organisations for their support and just urge everyone to back us before the campaign closes at 9am on the 1st November."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “I’m really pleased to be able to confirm my full support for the inspirational Otley Lido campaign. That the ambitious plans are supported by both Leeds City Council and Sports England is a testament to how feasible they are, and what better way to treat a disused local site than by turning it into a thriving, beloved community hub, offering everything from child swimming lessons to simply a great place to grab a cuppa with friends.

“As we emerge from Covid, examples like these of West Yorkshire communities pulling together are as heart-warming as they are necessary, and I’m proud to support a campaign that’s absolutely dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the local area. I wish the campaign the best of luck in its final, exiting step, and I will be working with my good friend Alex Sobel MP to encourage as many local residents as possible to chip in for a new, well-used and cherished community asset”

Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel said: “I am delighted that the Otley Lido campaign has received such a significant sum from Sports England. The £10,000 commitment recognises the serious difference that a Lido would make to the health and wellbeing of the community. The endorsement of our Mayor Tracy Brabin, shows that this project has real legs and can deliver on the aims that campaigners like Leonie, Jen and Sarah have been working towards so tenaciously for many years. I would encourage the community to donate to the campaign as every penny will make a difference.”

The group is asking the public to support its £53,000 appeal - and has warned that it will miss a “historic opportunity” if it fails to reach its target.Visit crowdfunder.co.uk/otley-lido to pledge to the campaign.