Campaigners further delay felling of two trees in Otley

Two trees, one of which is a mature oak believed to be 180 years old in Tittybottle Park, are set to be cut down by Leeds City Council as part of the revamp of the footbridge over the River Wharfe.

Campaigners are trying to stop the felling of two trees in Otley (Image: UGC)

Campaigners have said there should be a pause in the proceedings while proper discussions take place to work through all possible alternatives.

Leeds City Council said options available have been "explored at length" and dialogue remains ongoing over the issue. 

Felling work planned for yesterday and today has been delayed after campaigners met with Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council deputy leader.

A spokesperson for Otley 2030 said: “Jonathan Pryor arrived on site early this morning and spoke with residents. He will meet with ward councillors tomorrow.

"Works have been delayed until after that meeting.”

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We completely understand the strength of feeling across the local community regarding the proposed removal of the two trees concerned and their historic role and value to the town.

“The options available have been explored at length, with a key focus on keeping pedestrians safe and minimising the impact on the town and its residents from the work to install the temporary footbridge.

“The alternatives have been considered and they would all require traffic and pedestrian restrictions and temporary traffic lights which would cause significant delays, congestion, air pollution, and economic impact.

“The council remains fully committed to the importance of nature and the environment, and as part of these works significant tree planting and landscaping works would be carried out.

“Dialogue with the local community is important and remains ongoing on this issue, with further discussions taking place tomorrow.”

Last week, Leeds North West MP Katie White also held emergency talks with Jonathan Pryor and campaigners.

She said: “In recent months, I have received hundreds of messages from concerned residents in Otley and beyond, deeply concerned by the planned tree felling and urging me to help find an alternative solution for the dangerous bridge.

“Ordinarily, I wouldn’t get involved in matters handled by the Council, but having spent my career focused on climate and nature, I feel strongly about these plans.

“My team and I are working tirelessly to explore every possible option to save the oak tree while ensuring the bridge can be safely replaced.”

The Otley 2030 spokesperson added: “It is important to make clear that Otley 2030’s position is to find a positive solution by working with all stakeholders.

“We are facing a twin climate and biodiversity crisis and we want Otley to be a trailblazer and leader in tackling them in a fair and just way to the benefit of the whole community.

“A new footbridge is clearly needed. We do not dispute this.

“Public safety is paramount and a speedy solution is required to maintain this essential infrastructure.

“Access across the bridge is also essential particularly to those living north of the river.”

“We are working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure that, in the short term:

• "Leeds City Council follow due process and make public all the documentation and assessments necessary to move forward with work to a scheduled ancient monument and to mature trees in a historic park within the conservation area. (There is currently no ecological impact assessment or climate assessment)
• "Leeds City Council work with Otley City Councillors, Otley Town Council, community organisations and the public to find the best solution available. There should also be a full public consultation.
• "Leeds City Council delay the tree felling immediately and carry out the required traffic assessment that will inform a way forward that causes the least disruption for the public."