POOR relations with the police, traffic problems and a lack of facilities for young people are the most pressing issues in Otley and Wharfedale.

Of the 25 per cent of people who responded to a survey carried out by the area's community involvement team (CIT), police, planning and traffic were top on their list of priorities to be tackled.

Other areas of concern were the protection of the green belt, care of the local environment and a need to tackle health inequalities in the area.

A draft community plan has been put together with a list of actions to be taken. They include a refurbishment programme for the Cross Green Community Centre, Otley, to improve facilities for young people, new

facilities for the Citizens Advice Bureau, and better communication with the police. Other actions include the setting up of a register of vacant land and property and a local housing needs survey.

Councillor Phil Coyne, (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale), chairman of the Otley and Wharfedale CIT, said he would welcome any comments on the draft plan. He said: "The purpose of the plan is to enable the city council to be more responsive to the needs and priorities of local people."

Coun Coyne added because it was the first plan and a new approach to community planning it might not be as refined as it should be. "It will however be reviewed, enabling us to continuously refine the plan. As the cycle is repeated, it will become increasingly accurate in reflecting the needs and wishes of our community. Having said that, I think that the plan already provides a remarkable insight into local needs and aspirations."

Coun Coyne added one of the criticisms had been that the plan did not sufficiently cover outlying villages, but that would be addressed.

The plan, which has taken a year to put together, involved consultation with community groups, voluntary organisations, the police, the North West Primary Care Group and Leeds City Council. A questionnaire was also sent out to every household in the area.

l The plan is now on display at Otley Library. Comments should be sent by March 30 to the CIT office, The Caretakers House, Cross Green Community Centre, Otley.