'DEVELOP or sell up'.

That is the stark message that has been issued to the developers hoping to turn Otley's Summercross pub into a care home.

It has now been nine years since Westward Care received permission, at appeal, to redevelop the East Busk Lane site into a 46 bedroom home.

Otley Pub Club expressed concern over the scheme's lack of progress last April, challenging the company to 'explain why the building has been left untouched for so long'.

Now Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) has challenged Westward Care to take decisive action.

He said: "I continue to be disappointed that the owners seem to be allowing the old Summercross pub to become derelict.

"It is an important building at the eastern entrance to Otley and its current poor state reflects badly on the town and the owners.

"I feel it is time they made their mind up about what they want to do with the site - either refurbish the building or sell it to someone who will."

Otley Conservation Task Force, which says the boarded-up building 'has now become an eyesore in what is a gateway location to the town', is backing that position.

Chair Angela Leathley said: "It seems unlikely this will be developed as a care home in the near future, so put the Summercross back on the market for someone to develop, to enhance the town."

She added: "Technically, as far as Leeds City Council's Planning department is concerned, building work has begun because Westward Care knocked down the toilet block, so they are powerless to get the developer to progress the project.

"So this property could sit there for decades and decline further until it is at risk of demolition."

Some preliminary work was carried out at the Summercross, which faces Pool Road, back in 2012 and further tidying-up was done in 2014 ahead of the Tour de France cycling race's visit.

But since then there has been no sign of progress.

Westward Care's Managing Director Peter Hodkinson told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer this week that the firm had 'no formal statement to make at this stage'.

He added, however, that he hoped to be able to make an announcement within the next six weeks.