WHATEVER people's views of Otley's Town Mayor, Coun Nigel Francis, they cannot doubt his enthusiasm and concern for Otley.

Fresh into his civic year, he has announced his 'grand designs' which he hopes will help to bring more tourists into Otley and put it well and truly on the wider map. His 'Clean Up Otley' plan encompasses not just litter, it includes boosting tourism, cashing in on a number of spectacular events and setting up a resource fund for the community.

We applaud his determination to do something for Otley and at the same time we welcome the initial reaction from his political opponents. While they might not entirely agree with Coun Francis's ideas for achieving his goals, they have expressed some support in principle.

Otley is still a market town and, as such, should be drawing shoppers and other trade into it. Part of the attraction for tourists is visiting a nice clean town.

We take it that Coun Francis does not believe that councillors going out on the streets and picking up litter is going to have a lasting effect. However, it just could spark something off in other people that would make them think twice about throwing rubbish in the streets.

It could be the catalyst for a resurgence of pride in the environment. We don't know. However, has anyone got any better ideas?

While not all of Coun Francis's suggestions might see the light of day, we hope that people will not dismiss them out of hand. We hope that not only will serious consideration be given to what he is trying to do for Otley, but that other people will come forward with their ideas for a better, more successful town.

The future of Otley is not about personalities. It is not about who takes the credit for what is achieved. Political differences and personality clashes can be put aside at times for the benefit of the whole community.

The question is: Are we big enough to do that?