THE NEW Wharfedale Hospital has not exactly had the best press since opening, which is a shame for a facility so vital to the community.

First there was Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust's announcement that it was considering closing the pathology department.

And despite its insistence that no decision had been taken and that staff would be fully consulted, morale amongst hospital employees predictably plummeted.

Now the trust has started alarm bells ringing again, this time by floating a questionnaire which suggests changing of the parking arrangements at Wharfedale.

The issue is already a thorny one, with many staff and visitors parking on nearby residential streets to avoid parking charges - and causing road safety and traffic problems as a result.

By suggesting raising part-time workers' charges to full-time rates and asking for a £30 bond from permit holders, even in a 'trial' survey, the trust has simply thrown fuel on the fire.

If taken up, those options would surely only result in more people refusing to pay and even worse problems for the Newall Carr Road area.

IT'S Otley Carnival on Saturday and the culmination of yet another year of hard work by the event's small committee. With their eyes always on bringing new attractions to the event, the committee have this year introduced an It's a Knockout Competition.

For all of us who can remember the old television programme, the contest is bound to be a riot - but probably not for those taking part.

One of the largest community events in the town, the carnival is a blaze of colour and a great traditional day out for all the family. With so many events of its kind ceasing to exist - amongst rising insurance costs - long may it continue and well done to all those who have put it together once again.