Otley'S business leaders have called an extraordinary meeting next week to further discuss the impact of the gas mains replacement work currently disrupting the town.

The move follows a meeting of Otley and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce this week at which representatives from more than 40 businesses commented on the issue.

Keen to stress that Otley town centre is still very much open for business, President Graham Mutch said: "Next week's meeting aims to achieve two things.

"Firstly, to update members on progress we have made from our discussions with Transco, Leeds City Council, Leeds Chamber of Commerce and local politicians in identifying immediate, short-term solutions for businesses in the town centre.

"Secondly, we plan to discuss imaginative ways in which we intend to put Otley back on the regional map once the new gas mains has been fully installed.

"We are working hard to ensure this work is done with the minimum inconvenience. We all recognise it is important that it is done quickly and safely, however we have to balance that against the long-term needs of local businesses, too."

Transco has promised to liaise with Otley Chamber of Trade in an effort to minimise the impact on traders. It has also indicated that businesses affected by the work could be in line for compensation.

Chamber members are being urged to attend the meeting, at The Red Lion Hotel in Otley at 6.15pm on Wednesday, January 28.

In an effort to speed up the five month long £110,000 project to replace almost a mile of underground pipe, Transco workmen will be working on Saturday and Sunday.

Work on the first phase of the project, to replace 170 metres of pipe in Westgate up to the Manor Square junction, is set to finish ahead of schedule at the end of next week.

Workmen will then move onto the second phase.