ORGANISERS of Otley's controversial car boot sale have claimed that high rent has forced them out of town.

In a bitterly worded statement, the organisers allege that complaints from just two individuals living close to the Bridge End site has led them to move to another location just outside Harrogate.

But residents opposed to the unauthorised Sunday market, which has taken place for more than four years, claim the absence of cars has had an immediate effect.

And Leeds City Council, which in March started enforcement action aimed at stopping the sale, has said it will launch proceedings again if a replacement sale starts up.

The last car boot sale was held on May 25 with last Sunday being the first day without a sale for many weeks.

Phil Coyne, chairman of Otley Town Partnership, who as a city councillor campaigned to get the sale shut down, said the difference in traffic flow had been amazing.

"While I was a councillor I was contacted by a number of people expressing their concern about the sale. It is a relief it is no longer there, there was a huge difference in traffic flows on Sunday. You could drive out easily into town."

And Marie Consoli, who lives opposite the Bridge End site, said she had been able to sit out in her garden in peace for the first time for weeks.

"The difference was amazing. So many people said to me what a difference it had made, it was wonderful. There was heavy traffic on Sunday because the weather was good and a lot of people were going up to the Dales, but the traffic kept moving, there were no shunts or near accidents.

"I was able to sit out in my garden which I've not been able to do," she said.

Organisers, who have moved the sale to Four Lanes End, on the A59 Skipton Road at Harrogate, added all they had wanted to do was put Otley on the map.

In a statement, the organisers said: "The organisers of Otley car boot are very sorry for the closure of the boot sale, but due to high rent, business rates and certain people living around the sale against it (ie two) we decided to close and concentrate on another area.

"We do hope that any future businesses that intend to move into Otley and help to put this famous town back on the map will not be put off by the minority who wish to see its decline for whatever reasons. Once again, we are very sorry and thank you for your support."

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: "As the use of this site as a car boot sale has now ceased, any on going enforcement action will be suspended. If however, the use resumes and there is fresh evidence of harm to highway safety and to the amenities of the area, enforcement action could recommence."