Severely rusted lampposts in Otley have been sawn down before they collapse.

Already two lampposts in Bradford Road have been chopped down after ultrasonic testing revealed they were badly corroded.

And tests are going on with other aged lampposts to make sure they are not suffering from internal rusting.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Kirkland, who represents Otley on Leeds City Council, said: "Many lamp standards across Leeds are coming to the end of their life. In fact, Leeds City Council estimates it will have to find £56 million in order to replace them across the city over the next 15 years."

He added that it was very important that the posts were tested for safety reasons in case they collapsed.

"It's vital that they are inspected for safety reasons, particularly as many of Otley's lampposts are over 50 years old and severe internal rusting can be expected," said Coun Kirkland.

The two posts in Bradford Road already cut down are opposite Maylea Drive and on the corner of Richmond Terrace.

Coun Kirkland said: "It makes sense to cut them down before they collapse in bad weather, or just keel over one day, but they do need replacing, particularly those on bends which are vital to road safety."

A spokesman for Leeds City Council confirmed posts were being tested for internal rust and were being cut down if in an unsafe condition.

He added they would be replaced as soon as possible but after checking with other statutory authorities to make sure no work in the immediate vicinity was scheduled to take place in the near future.

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