LOCAL family the Houldsworths, who are behind the exciting proposal for Otley Riverside Visitor Centre, have donated £10,000 to charities and the local NHS, from money received through parking on the Bridge End site by the bridge in Otley, which they own.

£2,500 has been given to the MSA Trust, Martin House and Sue Ryder (Wheatfields) hospices and to the local NHS, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, who own and run Wharfedale Hospital in Otley.

The MSA Trust is the UK’s leading charity supporting people affected by multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare neurological disease with no known cause or cure. Martin House Children's Hospice in Boston Spa near Wetherby provides family-led hospice care free of charge for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. Sue Ryder, Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley, Leeds, provides expert palliative care and support for families.

The Otley Bridge End site was purchased in 2014 by the Houldsworths, who own and run Basil Houldsworth & Sons, to secure the future of the site for the community, after failed attempts by a developer to build houses, something strongly opposed by the local community and councillors.

The brownfield site was previously the site of the Bridge End Action Mart, operating two livestock markets a week until its closure in 2002. In 2017, the Houldsworths cleared 800 tonnes of concrete to tidy up the site. As well as being an eyesore, the concrete base of the old auction market was restricting access and making it dangerous for visitors to Otley Show and Otley Carnival with both organisations welcoming the work done.

Amy Houldsworth said: “We’re delighted to be able to donate money to these hugely important charities, the MSA Trust, Martin House Children’s Hospice and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospices, as well as the local NHS and Wharfedale Hospital in Otley.

“We are really happy to have been able to help Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust whilst the carpark at Wharfedale was out of use and to then give this money to help important charities.”

Michael Tarbatt, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice said: “We are so thankful to the Houldsworth family for their generous donations. Support like this means we can continue to be there for patients and families at the hardest of times.”

Richard Houldsworth added: “We are pleased to be able to support these charities and to make the land available to a number of events such as the Otley Show, Carnival, Victorian Fair. The land is classified as a brown field site with permitted rights, allowing for these and other events/activities.

“From purchasing the site in 2014 it has always been our intention to put forward a proposal to create a visitors/community centre with public toilet facilities, car park and café. We have made public these proposals and discussed with various bodies and organisations who have been very positive and supportive.”