A BID to develop a community green for the millennium has won enthusiastic support from Otley residents.

People at a public meeting held by the town's Millennium Association gave the plan - to reclaim two acres of semi-derelict land by the River Wharfe - their vote of approval.

They also gave organisers an extensive list of features and ideas they hoped to see included in the final design which will be submitted to the Countryside Commission by February 1, 1999.

Otley town councillor Jennifer Clifton, chairman of the Millennium Association, said residents' input was vital. "This is part of the public consultation process which is essential to gain funding," she said.

"But it's not just that. It's also hopefully going to be a green for all the people of Otley and it's important we have their views. This is an opportunity for you to do that and to tell us what you would like to see."

The millennium green was one of the first schemes considered by the association on its inception 20 months ago. Members were delighted when businessman Ronnie Duncan offered to donate the land behind Otley Mills in perpetuity.

Now they hope to win lottery money from the Countryside Commission on a matched funding basis of up to £30,000 - if the application satisfies key criteria including:

l The transfer of land from owner to a millennium trust.

l Public support for the proposal.

l Availability of the land for informal leisure use - not sports.

l Convenience for people, including the disabled.

And a key part of any application is that its design includes an imaginative and unusual way of celebrating the millennium.

Mike Silverwood, chairman of the Millennium Green sub-committee, said: "We are very much open to ideas on that front and would love to hear from anyone who either wants to get involved with the green, or who has a design or idea for the millennium feature."

Resident Derek Haller said he was very much in favour of the scheme. "The land looks a mess at the moment, but with a little bit of imagination, it could be great. I would like to see the water area along by the mill kept - it will have to be cleared out and made safe, but I would like to see it as a feature. There are too many ponds disappearing these days."

Mr Haller said a plaque set in stone to commemorate Otley's industries - bygone and current - would be a good marker for the millennium, incorporating the past and the future.

And many people at the meeting were keen to make sure the area was maintained for the wildlife already using it. Ros Lilley presented the committee with a list of the species she observed using the site - including kingfishers - which she said should be encouraged by any new plan.

Penny Williams, of West Chevin Road, said as a mother of a young child, she wanted to see youngsters involved in the development of a green which they could use for nature projects and leisure.

Coun Clifton said: "I am delighted so many people seem to have so many good ideas. We certainly have food for thought and we will now try to build in as many of those views as we can in the final plan."

Leeds City Council principal landscaper Nigel Lees - working voluntarily for the Millennium Association - will now begin work on the final plan incorporating the details put forward at the meeting.

And the association wants to hear from readers. Do you have an artistic idea which could be turned into the main feature of the millennium celebration?

If so, send your ideas and designs to the Wharfedale Observer, 9 Orchard Gate, Otley, with your name, address and telephone number, and we will pass them on to the Otley Millennium Association.

Alternatively, if you want to offer your help to the scheme, contact Les Cross at the Civic Centre, Cross Green, on (01943) 466335.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.