A DECISION to close Otley Market during the Tour de Yorkshire has been branded a 'disgrace'.

Leeds City Council says it will "not be feasible" for the market to open when the cycling race comes to town on Saturday, April 30.

Many thousands of visitors are expected on the day, when Otley will host the start of both the Women's Race and Stage Two of the Men's.

Michelle Firth, who runs a a babywear stall, has written a strongly-worded letter to Leeds City and Otley Town Councils demanding a rethink.

Signed by all the traders, it says: "All news reports talk about are the hundreds of thousands of pounds the cycle race brings to the people of Yorkshire, but they never report on the negative effect it will have on the hard working, tax-paying market traders.

"We think it is an utter disgrace, to say the least."

Leeds City Council insists it had little choice in calling off the market. A spokesman said: "Thousands of people are expected to come from near and far and we know the excitement will be as strong as at the Tour de France.

"With such numbers and town centre road closures in place, it would not be feasible or safe for the market to take place on the same day.

"We have worked to keep market traders informed and have given ten weeks notice that that the market will not be taking place on April 30, so that perishable stock would not be affected."