AFTER several months of apparent inactivity, work is under way at last on the restoration of possibly Otley's best known landmarks.

Since last summer, Otley people have watched with increasing horror as the Victorian Jubilee Clock has fallen into a more depressing state. But now, after much searching, a conservation expert has been taken on to oversee the restoration of the 120-year-old structure.

Initial investigations have revealed that the state of the clock is not as bad as once thought, but it is still likely to cost many thousands of pounds. Interestingly, the idea is to restore the clock casing to its original Victorian colour - and whatever that was remains to be seen. Over the years, the clock has been painted several times and was once even gold. The Victorian colour is likely to be a little more staid - it also remains to be seen whether Otley people will like it or not.

Otley councillors have backed plans to extend the public footpath network not only within the town's borders but out into North Yorkshire.

The paths chosen are already walked by people though not adopted as official rights of way. The Otley Walkers Group stresses that the proposed routes, which give greater access to the side of the River Wharfe, on both sides of Otley Bridge, and open up the former railway route, are currently suggestions and need the approval of the local authorities who will have to negotiate with landowners - and anglers.

Let us hope that progress will be made, that landowners can be convinced of the need for greater access and importantly, that walkers respect the land they are crossing.

After all, it will only take a thoughtless dog owner allowing its pet to run off a lead for an irate farmer to oppose the idea.