SINCE Thomas Chippendale School in Otley closed at the end of the summer term last year, it been left largely unused - apart from as a storing ground for other schools. The owner, the city council, plans to sell it off eventually - but can't say exactly when.

Meanwhile, the buildings stay empty and as every day goes past, they become more tempting to the vandals who inevitably turn up at every empty building. It would be a crying shame to see the buildings vandalised and a dreadful advertisement for the rest of the Weston estate.

Surely, use could be made of the school. Even for a short time until the building went up for sale - anything would be better than letting the buildings fall into rack and ruin.

l We're coming to that time of year again when communities start preparing themselves for the first visit of the Yorkshire in Bloom judges. In Otley, a stinging attack has been made on the generally filthy state of the town - and rightly so.

Just what is it about some people in Otley? A certain amount of blame can be laid at the door of the city council's cleansing department, but with the best will in the world, the council's cleaners can't follow a step behind all those who drop litter. Is it that certain people in the town don't have any pride in their community? Or have they always acted that way, think its up to someone else to clear up after them and just can't be bothered?

Unless such people in Otley start having pride in their town and start behaving like they do care, we shall always walk along filthy streets and will always be Ilkley's scruffy and down-at-heel cousin.

l Brilliant news for Yeadon that it is to get a spanking new health centre. The old centre is well past its sell-by date and the people of Yeadon certainly deserve better.

The Primary Care Trust has all sorts of plans for the new centre. it will not just house doctors, but a range of health services - it's about time the health service was shaken up though time will tell whether it will be a success.