The new Otley Town Council met for the first time this week at the Parish and Annual General Meetings, during which the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were appointed, and the 2023 Honorary Citizen awards were given out.

The theme was one of commitment to the town and ensuring that heritage was protected, and improvements sought.

Councillor Richard Hughes, the Leader of the Council, gave the annual report during which he thanked residents for their support and fellow Councillors and Council staff for their hard work.

“The Council,” he said, “had this last year four key aims, which would continue to be the core of its work in the next year. These were to:

  • Safeguard the distinctive nature and amenities of Otley as outlined in the Neighbourhood Plan
  • Improve the town’s environment to reflect the needs of residents and business and the declaration of climate and biodiversity emergencies
  • Support town events, people, and projects
  • Use the precept efficiently – it has now been frozen for three budgets - to provide a service to residents and achieve the aims above

"The results of the recent election were an encouraging mandate to continue with these priorities.”

The retiring Mayor Councillor Linda Hoare has worked tirelessly for the community and charity during the year, raising £3,153.80 for Open Country and Dystonia UK; she will be a hard act to follow. Her successor is Councillor Ray Smith, who was previously Mayor in 2010-11. He has nominated Otley Foodbank as his Mayoral charity.

The Honorary Citizen Awards went to Trevor Backhouse and Tim Wilkinson. Both have played a significant part in Otley community life. Trevor through his much-loved shop, Patisserie Viennoise, but also through his support for the business community on the Chamber of Trade Committee and his charitable endeavours in the Freemasons.

Tim as the proprietor of Dowgill House, and through his business and community activities through Otley BID, Otley Chamber of Trade and many years of organising the Otley Christmas Tree Festival and town flag-flying events.

Retiring Mayor Councillor Linda Hoare said: “It has been wonderful being Mayor this year, meeting so many Otley people and being able to raise money to help good causes. We are all very lucky to live in such a great community town.”

New Mayor Councillor Ray Smith added: “I am really looking forward to being Mayor again, but whatever else I am able to do this year, I know that being able to present the Honorary Citizen Awards to Trevor Backhouse and Tim Wilkinson will remain a highlight.”