AN investigation is underway about the impact of Otley's unauthorised weekly car boot sale on the town.

One has taken place more or less every week at the former Bridge End auction mart site for four years.

But residents complain that it attracts an enormous amount of traffic with parked cars clogging up surrounding residential areas.

Buildings on the site have also been allowed to become semi- derelict and have in the past been a magnet for youths.

Councillor Phil Coyne said he understood that there was a strong case to stop the sales two years ago. "There is certainly a negative impact on the area and the sales are detrimental to the neighbourhood."

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said: "An investigation is currently underway into the Bridge End site to determine whether the change of use by the current owners is not detrimental to the site.

"The owners have been served with a Planning Contravention Order to enable us to find out whether enforcement action is needed.

"Planning enforcement officers are currently consulting with other agencies to determine what effect these car boot sales have on the area."