OTLEY Show's organisers are facing an unwelcome extra bill for traffic management this year.

West Yorkshire Police have traditionally helped control traffic at the event, but have told Wharfedale Agricultural Society that will no longer be the case.

The Force blames the change on the "ongoing impact of budget cuts" which have left it having to focus on its core, crime-fighting duties.

Local councillors fear the decision could both land the show with a major expense and lead to problems on the day - and are urging the police to reconsider.

Show Secretary Janet Raw, meanwhile, is confident suitable alternative arrangements will be in place before Saturday, May 21.

She said: "We are, however, exploring other avenues to assist traffic management on the day and have been liaising with both the Highways department and the police on this challenging matter, which may prove more expensive than in previous years."

Inspector Neil Hemingway, of West Yorkshire Police's Force Planning Unit, said: ""We have been liaising with the organisers of Otley Show, well in advance of the event.

"They have been advised that a traffic management company with support from the local authority Highways department will be required to provide an appropriate, alternative solution to the historical use of personnel directing traffic.

"Traffic management is not a core policing role and we are unable to provide personnel for traffic management at events.

"The ongoing impact of budget cuts on police resources increasingly means we have to focus our efforts on our key priorities of reducing crime and keeping our communities safe."