SUPPORTERS of the Wharfedale Observer's Missing Link campaign have the chance to tell transport chiefs exactly what they think during a two-day consultation next week.

Hundreds of votes for the campaign - to secure a regular fast bus link to and from Menston Railway station - have flooded in to our office.

People have been signing our petitions and filling in coupons in scores to register their vote for the scheme which would help ease congestion on main routes in and around the town.

And now representatives of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (Metro) are coming to town to hear what they have to say. A Metro information bus will be visiting various parts of Otley on Tuesday, followed by a public meeting on Wednesday night at the Civic Centre.

Many of those who have been registering their vote for the Missing Link campaign have sent additional messages of support.

Among them is Sarah Mumford, of Ilkley Road, Otley, who said she was fully behind the push for better public transport - particularly a bus link to Menston station.

An Otley resident since 1997, who is a car user, she said she had been frustrated by the services on her attempts to use buses and trains.

She said: "On the few occasions I have used public transport, I have come a 'cropper', having returned from London by train and arriving at Menston station to find no 'phone no taxis and no bus stops - effectively stranded.

"The bus link to Menston gets my vote."

And the Pulleyn family of Whiteley Croft Rise in Otley feel the same. They said: "Thank you for running this campaign - we think it's an excellent idea!"

Councillor John Eveleigh, co-ordinator for Otley Town Partnership's transport group, which is spearheading the scheme, said: "This is an opportunity for people to come on board and speak to councillors and Metro officers about what they feel would be the best way forward for public transport routes and times.

The information bus will make several stops on Tuesday. From 10am to noon it will be in the Market Place, before moving on to park up in the grounds of Wharfedale General from 12.15 to 1.15pm.

People can also catch it outside the Weston Lane post office from 1.30 to 2.45pm and finally at the Westbourne Hotel on Bradford Road from 3 to 4.15pm.

The following night's public meeting, chaired by Coun Phil Coyne, begins at 7.30.

l You can still support the Missing Link campaign by signing petitions either at the Otley Civic Centre, or at our offices at 9 Orchard Gate.

Why not tell us what you think by writing to the Editor, Wharfedale Observer, 9 Orchard Gate, Otley LS21 3NX.

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