LOCAL Councillors Colin Campbell, Ryk Downes and Sandy Lay have welcomed the news that the old footway on the side of Otley Bridge is to be replaced.

However, they have also expressed concerns, including that Leeds City Council has not gone through the planning process and environmental damage due to the planned removal of trees - including a 150 year old oak.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Otley and Yeadon, Lib Dem) said: "It is obvious that the footway is at the end of its usable life and obviously needs replacing. However we have concerns that the Council are missing an opportunity to look at a broader scheme which would provide greater benefits to the town and enhance this much loved ancient monument which is rapidly approaching its 800th birthday."

"We are concerned that the City Council, by claiming thee major works are simply repairs are stifling discussion on the proposals," said Cllr Ryk Downes. "They appear to have made up their mind that they wish to have a like for like replacement the design of which will do nothing to enhance the existing structure and will continue to be an ugly blemish on what is the oldest section of the bridge. We believe that if they had gone through the usual planning process a structure could have been designed which better complemented the original and reflected what local residents would like."

"We are also concerned that the proposals will do significant environmental damage," said Cllr Lay. "The works will mean the removal of all the trees in Titty Bottle Park including a 150 year old oak and a commemorative tree planted to remember the sacrifice local people made during the second world war. These are important riverside features and there is no clear indication of what steps will be taken to replace them.

"We have asked Leeds to open the development to wider discussion and are trying to meet with Historic England to discuss what they feel would be an appropriate way for pedestrians to cross the river while maintaining what is thought to be Yorkshire's oldest bridge."

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “In response to the unfortunate inaccuracies of reports, Leeds City Council’s work to replace the footway on Otley bridge will not need the removal of ‘all the trees in Tittybottle Park’ or the commemorative tree in preparation for a temporary footbridge. Also, the only timely alternative is to close the footbridge and operate traffic signals to allow safe pedestrian use, which we know from experience will cause significant congestion to the town. The council have set up a website https://otleybridge.commonplace.is for Otley residents to keep updated about the works and help in finding answers to their questions. Alternatively, the council will have a presence in Otley Community Hub on Tuesdays 10-11am and Fridays 1-3pm in September to speak with those interested in the project.”