ATTRACTING tourists into Otley has always been a tricky subject. There are traders who say every angle should be exploited in an effort to bring more visitors - and more business - into the town.

But then there are others who have always adopted a more low key approach and are wary about turning the town into a tacky tourist hotspot.

A couple of years ago the town centre partnership asked for coach drop-off places in the centre - this, it said, would enable firms to unload visitors before moving on to park in East Chevin Road.

It was a simple, but effective step. No-one wants to get caught behind a coach as it unloads passengers - and where else other than the bus station could coaches unload?

The drop-off places in Boroughgate are now up and running. People used to parking there have already been caught out, but then, coaches are already starting to use them.

Every town where people want to visit will have drop-off places for coaches, so why should Otley be any different. It might take a bit of getting used to, but if we want to bring more people - and their money - into the town, then we'll have to give them what they want. And if that means a drop off point close to the town centre, then so be it.

A GROUP of parents in Horsforth are angry that their children have been told that they cannot attend their first choice schools of either Horsforth or Benton Park because they are too full. Instead they will have to attend West Leeds High School in Armley, which is two bus rides away.

They have pledged to get a petition and protest about the decision. They want the criteria for school admissions changing and are claiming that children from outside the area are getting some of the places.

All the parents have said that they will be appealing against the decisions because they fear for their children's safety while travelling to Armley. They are angry that about half the new intake at Horsforth School are siblings of existing pupils who may come from outside the area.

It is only right that siblings are given places at the school their brother or sister is attending, but sending Horsforth children all the way to Armley when there is a perfectly good school almost on their doorstep is nothing short of barmy.

It could be that Horsforth School has become a victim of its own success as it has built an enviable reputation over the years. But at the end of the day Horsforth children should be able to go to school in their town - and it's about time school admissions reflected that.