PULLING down a kissing gate because people with pushchairs and wheelchairs can't get through might well be the 'right' thing to do - but is it a step too far?

Leeds City Council says it has a responsibility to make all its footpaths accessible to all, but if kissing gates are a barrier - what does that mean for stiles or farm gates? Are all stiles and gates going to be removed and replaced with just what? And once the gates have gone, what about the paths beyond - or will they all be cemented over in case pram wheels get stuck in the mud.

Kissing gates and stiles are as much part of the countryside as cattle and sheep - it's a tradition amongst Yorkshire walkers to stop and kiss at every kissing gate. It would be a crying shame if they were to vanish.

It may have poured with rain but it was fantastic to see cattle, sheep and goats back at Otley Show. The number of cattle exhibitors may not have been as high as in previous years - because of the rule which bars any show animal from leaving its farm for six days after the event- but spirits were high and entries are expected to be higher next year.

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to put it on.

Planners were due to visit Otley today ahead of a glut of planning applications either in the pipeline or expected to appear within the next few months.

First up will be the Sainsbury's plan for a store in Bondgate. The word is that the scheme is likely to be approved in principle with finer points left to officers to thrash out with Sainsbury's. Also under scrutiny will be the closed All Saints Junior School in North Parade and Thomas Chippendale Primary School in Weston Lane - both likely to be the subject of housing applications. Then there's the Ashfield Works site off Westgate. Developers clearly have a great deal of confidence in Otley.