A ROAD closure in Otley has so far failed to result in any major disruption.

Improvement works to East Chevin Road began on Monday and is due to continue until at least the end of next week.

But despite ongoing roadworks to repair a gas leak also taking place in Charles Street and Gay Lane, the route’s closure has not led to any serious traffic problems.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said part of that was due to the fact the workers who are avoiding working at peak hours, were opening up the road whenever possible.

He said: “So far there’s been very little disruption which I’m pleased about, as I’d asked if they could keep as much of the road open as possible whenever they could.

“At the end of the day I think people will generally accept that if roads need to be repaired they should be, and this is an ideal time of the year to do it, before the winter kicks in.

“The workmen have been starting after the morning rush hour and before the evening one, so at least people have still been able to use the road and access things.”

The road has been closed from its junction with Harrogate Road, near East Carlton, down to its junction with Gay Lane, with a diversionary route via Old Lane, Pool Bank Road and Leeds Road in operation.

The improvement scheme will involve patching parts of the road, repairing drainage and gullies, cutting back vegetation and changing sections where cars have been ‘grounding’.