Otley trees will not be cut down this week, councillor told

The trees, one of which is a mature oak believed to be 180 years old in Tittybottle Park, are proposed to be felled by Leeds City Council as part of the revamp of the footbridge over the River Wharfe.

Campaigners have said there should be a pause in the proceedings while proper discussions take place to work through all possible alternatives.

Campaigners stand by one of the trees they want to save (Image: UGC)

Felling work planned for yesterday and today has already been delayed after campaigners met with Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council deputy leader.

Otley ward councillors also met today with the Deputy Leader to discuss the fate of two trees.

“The trees will not be cut down this week,” said Cllr Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon). “We’re awaiting further information from the council and moving forward we hope to receive this information by the end of this week.

“Everybody accepts that something needs to be done to the bridge because of the state of it.

“The footway is at the end of its lifespan. Something needs to be done with it as soon as possible.

“My position is that more work could be done to secure a pedestrian footbridge, and our position as ward councillors has been to do those works without further tree loss. We do not want to see the trees removed.

“We’re now seeking a clarification of evidence from the council on the works proposed.

“They would close the existing footway but they still have to get pedestrians to and from the north and south side of Otley.

“The road is not wide enough to get both pedestrians and vehicles over it safely.”

But Cllr Downes emphasised that the significance of these two trees is important to local residents.

One of the trees is a mature oak believed to be 180 years old.

He said: “It’s believed the other tree was planted 50 years ago by the Mayor to commemorate the fallen in war.”

Cllr Downes said: “At the moment, if the council would proceed it would be without the approval of Otley’s ward councillors.

“This decision is not ours. There has not been enough consultation, explanation or investigation of the alternatives.

“But there is no decision at the moment and the trees will not be felled until we get further clarity.”

Leeds City Council said yesterday options available had been "explored at length" but that dialogue remains ongoing over the issue.