A MAJOR roadworks scheme starts in Otley next Monday.
Northern Gas Networks will be replacing mains on West Busk Lane and Bradford Road, which will involve swapping ageing metal pipes with new plastic ones is expected to last 18 weeks.
Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) says the scheme is necessary and, though it will cause inconvenience, believes it represents "short term pain for long term gain".
The news sparked a flurry of disapproving comments online, however, especially from those worried about the work's potential clash with the Tour de Yorkshire's start stage in Otley on Saturday, April 30.
Cllr Lay, however, is confident the work won't have any negative affect either on the cycling race or its preparations.
He said: "With regards the impact of the works on the Tour de Yorkshire I'm reliably informed that Northern Gas Networks are aware, as are every other utility, of the race coming to Otley and have worked with the Highways Authority so no works will take place on Bradford Road in the week or so before the race."
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