People in Otley are being urged to have their say on plans to improve their environment.

A public consultation is being held this month to unveil Otley in Bloom's 50 Ways to Green Our Town.

Residents will have the opportunity to comment on designs and ideas drawn up from the six main areas that local people have identified as their priorities.

Sylvia Reid, secretary of Otley in Bloom explained: "We have appointed consultants to draw up designs and landscaping plans for these area which include the car parks, the town's gateways including Bradford Road and Leeds road, the public parks, town centre hoarding and streetscape.

"I urge people to take 15 minutes to half an hour out and come along and see these sketches and designs. I think people will enjoy seeing a different Otley even if only on paper. Clearly, however, we also want people to offer their comments on what is being proposed."

Kate Curtis, team leader for the project for local landscape architects Smeedon and Foreman added: "As the consultants for this project, we intend to produce a range of largely visual material for this consultation that will give people a real taste of what different parts of Otley could look like. There will be a chance for people to make their views known, offer new ideas and, yes, even disagree with the proposed suggestions."

The projects all focus on public spaces across the town and organisers of the scheme say they will have implications for local businesses. David Gagen, President of Otley Chamber of Trade said: "I have been attending meetings relating to this project 50 Ways to Green Our Town. The work that is in progress should make a really big difference to the general feel of the whole town. I am urging members of the Chamber of Trade to keep in touch with this development. Giving Otley that feel-good appearance makes excellent business sense for all Otley businesses."

The public consultation will be held on Tuesday December 14 in Room 2 of Otley Civic Centre, from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm.

Anyone unable to attend the open sessions will be able to access consultation papers and feedback forms in the reference section of Otley library from December 10. The feedback forms should be completed and left at the library desk no later than Tuesday December 21.

Sylvia Reid said: "The final plans will be presented in February 2005. The design work is in progress, however it is important that people take a bit of time out and get along and make sure they understand what is being suggested. Otley in Bloom is already looking at fundraising for the project.

"We would like to feel confident that we have public support for what is being proposed. If there are objections, then we will adapt out plans accordingly. In the end Otley in Bloom is working to improve the town's environments in the interests of both residents and local businesses. A little feedback will go a long way."

The 50 Ways to Green Our Town scheme has received funding from the Market Towns' Initiative and is a key element within the MTI town Enhancement scheme. Otley in Bloom is working in partnership with Otley Town Partnership to achieve environmental improvements across Otley.