TENANTS on Otley's allotments will have to pay more for their plots from the start of the millennium.

Town councillors have unanimously agreed to increase the charges from February 2000, to make sure current levels of service are maintained.

Tenants will pay ten pence per square yard - after the allotments committee heard this week how all town council spending on the plots had to be met from rents collected.

Committee chairman Councillor Chris Speedy said: "It is unlawful to subsidise allotments from the main council budget.

"All spending must be met from rents collected."

Members agreed the increase was necessary to ensure tenants continued to receive a high level of support from the town council.

Coun Speedy said they would be notified 12 months ahead of the planned increase.

Delphine Maw, site representative for Burras House allotments, thanked the committee for the much-improved level of service from the town council during recent years.

And the meeting heard how a 'get tough' policy towards irresponsible tenants was proving successful.

John Hamer, allotments superintendent, said: "This policy towards those who neglect their plots is now bearing fruit and the number of untidy plots has been significantly reduced."

Several plots, however, remain empty and are available to let at various sites around the town.

Prospective tenants can pick up an application form at the reception desk of the Civic Centre or by telephoning (01943) 466335.

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