A campaign to improve bus links in the Otley area has stepped up a gear.

Otley Town Council has almost completed a deal with Metro to improve public transport, including a better bus service to Menston railway station.

The Labour-controlled Council is to pump thousands of pounds into providing a number of extra bus services - including links to Wharfedale General Hospital - with Metro making its own substantial contribution.

The Council's share of the cost of boosting bus services is £17,000 and will be met by raising the annual precept, the amount local residents pay to the Council, by an extra 14 per cent.

However, Councillor Sue Egan, town council leader, said while the percentage increase for the improved bus services might seem high, in real terms it would cost each family on average only £2.50 a year. In addition, Metro would be investing much more money than the Council.

Councillor Philip Coyne said: "There is a demand for partnership and this £17,000 will link us with Menston."

The decision was made at the Council's annual budget meeting this week. Coun Egan said: "This major initiative has become possible through accessing new Government money, enabling us to seriously address the transport and related road safety and environmental issues which have pre-occupied many of our discussions over the past four years."

Working in partnership with Metro and the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (WPTA) had been the key to introducing Optare buses - with low-level floors to improve access - and could now help solve long-term transport difficulties in the area, said Coun Egan.

Under the plans put forward by the town council, the improvements will also include:

l A service for residents of Whiteley Croft Garth.

l Restoration of a service for people living on West Busk Lane.

l A return to Sunday morning services for the Weston Estate.

l Improvements of services to both Newall and Weston.

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