AN appeal for residents and shopkeepers to take more pride in their town has been made by Tonia Hearne, president of Otley Chamber of Trade.

It follows the town's dismal showing in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Otley finished 11th out of 13 similar towns with 75 marks in the spring competition - the same as last year .

Mrs Hearne feels more effort could have been made by residents, particularly shopkeepers.

"I am disappointed with the result in view of all the hard work that was done in an effort to make the town attractive. Unfortunately we did not do very well and we would like shopkeepers to take more interest. Very few shops had flowers in their windows or outside their premises," she said. Mrs Hearne said there had been a lack of hanging baskets and tubs in the town and two of the few tubs had been stolen.

"We are to have a big push for the summer event but it is very difficult trying to compete with towns such as Ilkley (joint first) because they have green areas in the town and flower beds. We don't have any green areas and I feel the judges should consider the way a town is built," she added.

However, there were one or two bright spots. The judges were impressed by the enthusiasm and efforts of the Otley in Bloom group and thought theirs was 'a good entry'.

Representatives of the Chamber of Trade, Otley Town Council, Leeds Leisure Services and the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer, the town's local newspaper, gave the judges an informative tour.

"Detailed consideration should be given to present the best route. The chamber's efforts to publicise Otley in Bloom through leaflets and displays in vacant shop windows was innovative and well executed," continues the report.

"Colourful bedding on the Ring Road roundabouts and excellent barrier baskets, and if extended to the centre's main junction, will have further impact.

"Hospital grounds, church grounds and other parks were very well maintained," concluded the report.

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