LOTTERY chiefs have controversially turned down Otley's request for a £1.6m bid to improve sports facilities in the town.

Their decision - and the reasons given - have so angered Town Mayor Coun John Eveleigh that he has launched a petition to get it changed.

Councillors from the Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties and Otley Sports Council have also reacted angrily to a damning report issued by Sports England, which gives reasons for refusing the application for much needed facilities..

The report claims Otley residents have not supported the bid and raises a number of serious issues.

Coun Eveleigh said it was 'absolutely outrageous' to question Otley people's support for the scheme and said there would be an appeal against the refusal.

There are now fears for the future of the run-down Chippendale Pool, which would have benefited from some of the money.

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