Otley Athletics Club’s ambitions to build a running track and sports centre for the town have moved a step closer following a public meeting to gauge interest in the project.

The meeting saw the club’s Legacy Committee exchange ideas from interested parties, including Old Otliensians Rugby Club, Club Energy, Prince Henry’s Grammar School and Otley Town Council.

The club have now identified several preferred locations and potential partners and will put together a feasibility study looking into the available options as well as drafting outline designs.

Legacy Committee chairman Simon Anderson said: “Otley has a rich sporting heritage yet it doesn’t have a dedicated sports centre.

“Although it has been discussed several times in the recent past, nothing has ever come to fruition and we feel it’s time that someone picked up the baton to build a much-needed facility for the whole of the town.

“The meeting was very positive, out of which came some very good ideas and potential working partners, but we are under no illusion about the size of the task ahead and the amount of work involved.

“We are now in the process of putting together an outline feasibility study plus basic designs for our preferred locations, as well as investigating funding options, and we shall be meeting again in the middle of November.”