April update - Otley Bridge footway replacement

Temporary footbridge installation to start

The large 300 tonne crane has moved on to site in readiness to install initially a crossbeam, slide plates and a working platform on the piles in the river. This installation is needed to secure the temporary footbridge to it.

From part two of the animation video you can see that this will help slide the temporary footbridge into position, once the crane has lifted part of the footbridge into place.

 Do you have a lovelock on the footway?

The existing footway with padlocks attached is being removed, which means any locks will also be removed. If you have placed a lock on the bridge, please remove it before 23 May. 

Any unclaimed locks will be removed and stored until 30 June and are available for collection by contacting connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk. Any locks not collected will be disposed of after this date.

Oak tree trunk offered to Wharfedale Men’s Shed

The council has offered to work with the Wharfedale Men’s Shed – a local charity to donate to them part of the oak tree trunk. They are planning a community project which offers people the opportunity to get involved in potentially crafting park benches for Otley. 

A spokesperson from the local charity said: “Thank you for the donation the members will use the wood to make useful items that can be sold with any profits going back into the charity. All the items sold will be listed as made from Otley oak tree wood.” 

The council is still considering a suitable community project for the larger part of the trunk.

Boats on the Wharfe closed for 2025 season

After discussions with Otley Boat Hire to understand the impacts of them working this summer, it has been mutually agreed to not open in 2025.

Otley Boats plan to refurbish the rowing boats and replace the pedalos with new boats ready for the 2026 season.

Otley Community hub drop-in reminder

Residents and businesses can speak to the project team at the Otley Community Hub on Nelson Street on the following dates:

Friday 11 April                 1pm - 3pm

Tuesday 15 April             11am - 12pm

Friday 25 April                 1pm - 3pm

Tuesday 29 April             10am - 11am

Friday 9 May                    1pm - 3pm

Thereafter, these times may be adjusted in response to demand.