TRADERS in Otley have welcomed the removal of planters that had been installed on Kirkgate during Covid and which they say have impacted their business.

After the temporary order for the planters to encourage social distancing during the pandemic ran out, the planters have been taken away.

Otley BID, which represents shops and businesses in the town, said their removal was “a relief”.

In a statement, Otley BID said: “The planters remaining in place after Covid restrictions were lifted made very little sense for shoppers or businesses.

“Despite our repeated efforts to engage with Otley Town Council and have the planters removed, we were knocked back at every occasion.

“It’s a relief the planters have now been removed and we continue to lobby for the parking to be re-instated as it was pre-Covid.

“This is supported by our business community following our survey in November 2023, which came after a Trade and Tourism Committee Meeting with Otley Town Council where we discussed whether there was any room for compromise in relation to the planters and the parking restrictions.”

Wharfedale Observer: The planters being removed on SundayThe planters being removed on Sunday (Image: Patricia Hammond)

According to Otley BID’s survey of local businesses, 5.8% of business owners wanted to keep the planters as they were on the east side of Kirkgate.

But 20.29% of business owners wanted to move the planters and have the east side of Kirkgate double yellow lined. The effect of double yellow lines would be that no parking would be allowed except blue badge parking and this would be enforceable, loading and unloading is allowed, waiting is not allowed.

A majority of 73.91% of business owners wanted to remove the planters and reinstate parking.

Otley BID said: "Following the overwhelming response from our business community, we want to be clear that we DO NOT support the new double yellow lines that were partly installed recently and completed once the planters were removed on Sunday – all without prior and proper consultation.

“We also kindly ask Otley Town Council and Leeds City Council that when making decisions that directly impact upon people’s livelihoods in the future, fair and transparent consultation is undertaken.

“Above all, act with compassion and respect for the local people that make our town such a special place to live, work and visit.”

Otley Town Council released a statement on the planters which said: “Following discussions with Leeds City Council, Otley Town Council has agreed with Leeds Highways that the planters on Kirkgate will be removed over the coming days. The temporary regulations which allowed the planters to be positioned on Kirkgate are at an end.

“We are aware that the planters have divided opinion amongst residents and businesses, and we hope this decision fosters a more positive local spirit, to the benefit of the town centre.

“The Town Council will continue to work with the wider community to promote residents’ aspirations, expressed in response to the Street Vision 2030 consultation, for safer, more pleasant streets and better provision for walkers and wheelers. The Town Council remains committed to improvements, not only on Kirkgate, but across Otley.”

Otley Town Council leader Richard Hughes declined to comment further.

Cllr Sandy Lay, who represents Otley and Yeadon on Leeds City Council, said the move should open up discussions about what is best for the town.

He said: “The presence of the planters on Kirkgate has been a topic of much debate among our community. Some have found them beneficial, while others have raised concerns.

“We all want what's best for the town and it's important to remember that the conversation about Kirkgate and the broader improvements do not end here.

“I know the Town Council and its business partners remain committed to enhancing the town’s shopping, visitor and tourism offer and I’m urging them all to continue to work together.

“Everyone’s ideas and perspectives are crucial in shaping a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable Otley and I look forward to working with everyone to make it happen.”

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We can confirm that the planters on Kirkgate were removed on Sunday 17 December.   
   
“Since the installation of the planters, we have been in regular dialogue with local councillors and Otley Town Council, and we will continue to support their ambition to improve pedestrian, cycle and public realm infrastructure in Otley.”