MARKET traders in Otley claim they are being squeezed out of the town.

They say rents have been put up to cover a drop in the number of stalls, that complaints have gone unanswered and that no attempt is made to promote the market.

They are also furious that their opinions have not been sought as part of efforts to regenerate Otley as a market town and as a focus for surrounding communities.

Tony Shaw, from Addingham said his rent has been increased by £1.50 per stall to £29 per week.

"On a Saturday there are eight or nine stalls left empty on Kirkgate, but instead of promoting the market, they've put our rents up to cover it.

"The way we see it is they've passed the problem onto us."

Mr Shaw believes there is a problem in the market not being properly promoted.

"Leeds is just not paying any attention to it, the market is dying, but they just don't seem to care."

Andy Iddison, who runs equestrian supplies stall, Ratcatcher Saddlery in Kirkgate at the Friday market, added: "Leeds has no interest at all in Otley Market."

Mr Iddison, from Guiseley, claimed requests for extra table boards and for stalls to be cleaned had taken up to 18 months to be dealt with.

He added that his takings were a third down on the same time three years ago.

Mr Iddison would like to be involved with discussions about the future of the town and about how to spend the £340,000 allocated as part of the Market Towns Initiative.

"We hear about this money being given to the town, but we're not asked our opinions, it's like a closed shop," he said.

Farmer David Lawson, from Otley, said: "We're concerned that the council is trying to force us all into the market square and then the number of stalls there will dwindle away to nothing.."

Mr Lawson's rent for his two stalls has been put up £3 per week.

"We think the market is gradually being nibbled away at. It's like Leeds would really be happier if we weren't there at all."

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: "The core of the Otley market has always been the Market Square, and the stalls on Kirkgate have been traditionally there to accommodate the overspill.

"We have been urged by the Town Partnership and the Chamber of Trade to encourage stallholders on Kirkgate to relocate to the Market Square.

"It is widely recognised that the Kirkgate stalls cause a certain level of traffic congestion, as well as creating a pedestrian obstruction and reducing parking opportunities. As a result, we are not filling any vacancies that arise on Kirkgate. We are also increasing our tolls for traders at a differential rate, to encourage existing stallholders to relocate."