Safety fencing could start going up along Otley's riverside after Leeds bosses decided to push ahead with part of the unpopular scheme.

Leeds City Council's executive board, in the face of a 6,136-signature petition against the original plan, has agreed to defer a decision about what should be done to improve safety at Wharfemeadows Park to allow public consultation.

But there is a significant exception built in: "that the chief recreation officer be requested to progress fencing proposals by the river in the vicinities of the weir and the children's play area".

Leeds Council says the legal advice it has received means it has to act quickly and press ahead with the least contentious part of its plan. But it insists the question of what safety measures will be introduced in the rest of the park is still being considered.

Wharfemeadows Action Group (WAG), Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) and Otley MP Greg Mulholland, however, criticised the decision.

WAG member Tony Hartigan said: "We're very disappointed. We were told the scheme was going to be deferred.

"The big question now is really to what degree will Leeds allow full and proper consultation', to use their own words? They've already scuppered that by deciding to go ahead with some fencing before consultation has taken place."