OTLEY’S replacement Maypole is almost ready — as photos released this week show.

The town has been without the landmark, believed to be the tallest of its kind in England, since last June.

The Maypole was removed from Manchester Square after an inspection found it to be rotten at the base and unsafe. Leeds City Council has been under pressure ever since to get a replacement installed.

Although a date for that is still to be confirmed, local ward councillors say they have been encouraged by new images showing the work in progress.

Councillor Colin Campbell said: “The photos released this week show things are finally moving on.”

The new pole is being built by a specialist firm that produce ship masts, and will be waterproofed to ensure it stands strong for many years to come.

Cllr Sandy Lay said: “We cannot yet set a firm date for when the pole will be in place.But it may be in time for our May Day celebrations.”