Our Candidates - Leeds City Council Elections - May 6th 2021

If elected as a Leeds City Councillor for Otley & Yeadon, I would be seeking:

• ●  Completion of the long-awaited flood alleviation scheme so the town isn’t split in two and vulnerable riverside properties are better protected

• ●  Improve facilities for residents north of the river using money from any developments. Encourage setting up of GP surgery.

• ●  Tackle returning traffic congestion particularly over Otley Bridge, to improve air quality and create a safer more relaxed town centre

• ●  Secure proper funding to allow for a strong Covid recovery and a more prosperous town starting with a fair share from the auction of the Civic Centre

  ●  Encourage active travel around Otley and secure funding to get started on the Wharfedale Greenway leisure route

  ●  Continue to support Otley Nature Network of environmental groups to protect and enhance local environment and wildlife

  ●  Oppose extension of flying hours at Leeds Bradford Airport to limit noise pollution at unsocial hours

  ●  I will continue to support community groups & work with other local politicians on making Otley an even better town.

Save Our Green Spaces – Vote Green

“Our local green spaces and wildlife have been hugely important during the past 12 months of living with Covid; any threat to them is a concern to many people.”

Cath Harrison is passionate about protecting green space for its wildlife habitats and biodiversity. She lives on the Cambridge Estate and, like many other Danefield residents, enjoys the surrounding countryside known as the Irish Fields. Her son went to All Saints Primary School and now attends Prince Henry’s.

Cath has been active in Friends of Gallows Hill, Otley Swift Watch, Otley Nature Network and Otley 2030 for several years. “I am opposed to this large development going ahead, however I am realistic that it will not be easy to stop. We must use all available means to achieve the best outcomes for existing residents.”

If it proceeds it must:

• Protect mature trees and hedgerows, to preserve existing biodiversity.

• Provide the full quota of 35% truly affordable housing on site so local people can benefit.

• Ensure good walking and cycling routes into the town centre to minimize further traffic and

  to support recovery of local businesses after Covid.

Cath wants to improve the Danefield area in other ways; “I would value residents’ opinions on how to tackle limited access and parking issues”.

She also supports:

• reducing speed limits on both Pool Road and Leeds Road as they enter Otley.

• persuading LCC that less mowing of grass verges will encourage insects, birds and small mammals and save public money, which sounds like win-win!

One authentic Green can make a big difference: more Green Town Councillors will put even more pressure on Leeds City Council and others to protect our town.