DOZENS of Otley market traders are looking forward to better relations with Leeds market chiefs after voicing their grievances at a summit in the town.

Leeds City Council market officers heard worries about traffic congestion and a lack of publicity for the market when they met with around 30 traders at Otley Civic Centre on Tuesday.

Traders confronted officers with a variety of issues - including a lack of communication, Leeds' drive to move stalls from Kirkgate - and how hope to hold four such meetings each year.

The council also told the traders they can contact them directly at any time, if they have concerns.

And officers have also promised to look into a number of individual issues brought up by some traders.

Trader Andy Iddison, has run the Ratcatcher stall on Otley Market for ten years, believes the future of Otley Market could depend on Leeds City Council's actions over the next year.

He said Otley traders felt 'left out' amid spending on Leeds Market.

"When you come into Otley, you see a brown sign saying 'historic market town'. People seem to be forgetting that in time, it's going to be a has-been historic market town, unless something happens within the next 12 months," said Mr Iddison.

He said traders were keen to see better marketing of Otley Market, alongside the flagship Leeds Market, and possibly the promotion of the area's markets alongside such popular tourist themes such as Emmerdale.

He would like to see leaflets give out for Otley and the other markets at tourist offices.

Traders also tackled Leeds City Council over concerns about empty market stalls, safety, and traffic problems on Kirkgate.

Mr Iddison said a complaint he had made about some stalls covered in pigeon droppings not being cleaned had not been taken up for 18 months.

But he is hopeful that this week's meeting, which he attended, could see a new era of co-operation for the good of the market, and hopes to see better communication between Leeds City Council, and both Otley Town Council and Otley Chamber of Trade.

Mr Iddison is also a regular trader on Yeadon Market, which he feels needs more publicity.

Former market trader, Councillor Nigel Francis, (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) said: "They're hoping to get these points over to Leeds. Basically, what they're trying to do is get much more input into the town."

Leeds City Council is expected to call another meeting, as well as meeting with individual traders.