A bid to develop a community green for the Millennium has won the support of 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 seal 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 them to do that and to tell us what they would like to see."

The Millennium green was one of the first schemes considered by the association at 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:

The transfer of land from owner to a Millennium trust.

Public support for the proposal.

Availability of the land for informal leisure use, not sports.

Convenience for people, including the disabled.

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