OTLEY residents will shortly be receiving the local Labour Party’s manifesto for its vision for Otley Town Council for the next four years.

The manifesto highlights that the Liberal Democrats have now run Otley Town Council for eight years, but suggests that even with an overwhelming majority the ruling party hasn't stepped up to provide the services it feels people need when they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The Otley Labour Party argues that the Town Council could do more with the money it already gets. Labour suggests that an increased number of councillors from other parties would mean that there is more challenge and a more robust approach to solving problems when ordinary working people and pensioners are suffering. The manifesto states this clearly: “Otley needs energetic councillors from across all political parties to tackle these challenges. It’s time for a change – for new ideas and new faces.”

The manifesto sets out five goals that it sees as central to improving local services: Get Better Services for Otley; Improve community facilities; Develop Otley Sustainably; Support the local economy and community well-being; Protect Otley's environment.

Labour is fielding a team of five candidates to fight the Otley Town Council election on 4 May:

Richard Davies - Danefield Ward; Alex Eve - Ashfield Ward; Nigel Gill - Manor Ward; Graham Hill – West Chevin Ward; Linda Richardson – Prince Henry Ward.

Chair of Otley Labour Party, John Eveleigh, said: “We have put together a clear set of goals that we want to see delivered by Otley Town Council for local people. We need a Town Council that represents a wider range of views and draws on a wider range of talents to tackle the serious problems we are facing as a community. More Labour representation will help ensure we get a better relationship with Leeds City Council.”

Current Labour Town Councillor, Richard Davies, said: “Whichever party you represent, it’s important to work for the betterment of our brilliant town. I have made a big contribution to the Council’s work since my election and I believe that having broader representation will bring new ideas and mean we can do so much more for the town.”