THE day when fences go up around our schools' playing fields is a sad day for everyone in the community.

It is now the turn of Tranmere Park School to look at fencing off its fields and buildings, and some living in the area are unhappy. Even if the fence is designed to be more in keeping with the residential surroundings, it adds to the feeling that more corners of our community are having to live behind bars for fear of crime.

But despite the opposition to the barriers going up - be it over access to the fields, or the appearance of a large fence - few parents would argue that the safety of their children comes first.

When vandals are damaging equipment and property which is there for the benefit of youngsters, schools are always keen to protect it. Unless a new way is found to stop the vandals leaving broken glass in places where children should be allowed to play safely, we may all have to live with more fences.

EXCITING plans lie ahead for Otley and its surrounding villages. Having now got the approval of its action plan, Otley Town Partnership is about to launch into a veritable frenzy of activity.

Every aspect of the area is to be tackled by the partnership as part of its ambitious plans - from the completion of the Otley bypass and the drawing up of planning briefs for the old tannery in Gay Lane and at Bridge End, to the improvement of youth facilities and public transport.

There is no doubt, the plan is very ambitious, but with the will and support of people - and now access to funding - a lot can be achieved.

Now is the time to get involved. It is an excellent opportunity to be in on the start of the area's regeneration.

Campaigners fighting to reverse the decision to close some Otley primary schools have won a major victory. They accept that it looks very unlikely that the two schools due to close will now remain open, but they hope it will mean future school closures will be treated differently.