A councillor is calling for a new 500-space car park in Otley to stop trade dying in the town centre.

Coun Nigel Francis, of Otley Town Council, said fears had been raised that trade was plummeting because workers' cars were clogging up the town's parking spaces.

He said: "There are 200 shops and businesses in Otley. The bulk of paid-for spaces is filled up by people working in the town.

"We have got to get an all-day car park away from the centre. Shoppers are not coming because parking is so poor.

"We can't compete with places like the White Rose Centre for convenience. Otley cannot survive in the present climate unless we accommodate people."

And at a meeting of Otley Town Council, he suggested a 500-space car park in Station Road could solve the problem. He said it would have the added bonus of raising £150 a day for Council coffers.

Coun Francis added: "From a business point of view you will release about 200 car parking spaces if all-day parking is moved."

But residents in Station Road would strongly oppose the scheme, said Coun John Eveleigh.

He said: "I'm not sure that residents would welcome Coun Francis' suggestions. That road is congested at the best of times."

A Town Partnership survey last year revealed adequate parking spaces in Otley but not enough signposts for car parks, he said.

Coun Phil Coyne said: "We should look at every opportunity for people to use buses."

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: "We are improving signposts to car parks and coach drop-off points.''

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