A FRESH attempt to get pleasure boats back on the river at Otley has been launched by Leeds City Council.

Two years ago, the boats at Wharfemeadows Park were withdrawn because of the foot and mouth outbreak, and last year a suitable operator failed to come forward.

Now, with just six weeks to go before the traditional start of the boating season, the council's leisure services department is looking for someone to run the boats.

But the suitable candidate needs to have a fleet of ten to 15 boats, a rescue boat and be properly trained in life saving techniques.

Councillor John Eveleigh, leader of Otley Town Council, said he hoped the boats would return to the river.

"I hope the council will be successful in getting someone, the boats were certainly missed last year."

Coun Eveleigh accepted that the rules and regulations needed to run the boats were extensive.

"Getting someone to agree to it will be difficult, but I expect in reality, there is no way around it. Hopefully, somebody will think it is a real feature of the river and take it on."

Coun Eveleigh added that he would like to see the boating extended to the riverside at the to-be-developed Ashfield Works site.

A spokesman for Leeds Leisure Services said: "Leisure services are very keen for the pleasure boats to return to the river at Otley and so we are advertising for potential boat operators to tender for this service.

"The successful company will provide boats from April to the end of September.

"They will need to provide between ten to 15 boats, suitable safety and lifesaving equipment, a rescue boat and appropriately trained staff with an approved life saving qualification.

"The operator is also required to provide a boom across the river to stop boats approaching the weir."