HOW much can fire sprinklers cost? Even though the installation of life saving sprinklers is recommended by the fire service, the city council believes it knows better, and has so far chosen not to install them in the remodelled Otley primary schools.

Assistant fire chief David Monks says towns like Otley are vulnerable. Although they have fire cover, they do not have immediate access to the specialist equipment available in bigger cities.

In cases like Otley, sprinklers can save lives - they actually put out fires rather than just detect them. It is a sad fact that school fires are on the increase and surely only a matter of time before a school is set alight with children still inside.

For the sake of some extra expenditure, the installation of fire sprinklers could be the best thing the city council ever did for Otley. After much badgering, the council has decided to defer a final decision.

Let's hope sense prevails. After all, there will surely be a surplus of cash following the sale of All Saints Juniors and Thomas Chippendale schools.

Time to get involved

The time has come for all those interested in the future vitality and prosperity of Otley and its surrounding communities to get involved. Progress on an action plan for the area - and suggestions on how best to spend £340,000 - will be made next Wednesday at Otley Civic Centre.

The Government money is not a huge amount, but it will be a start and will act as a lever for many more thousands of pounds, but it needs the support and enthusiasm of the people.

The Town Mayor, Councillor Phil Coyne, is adamant that as many people as possible should go along to the meeting - and rightly so. If people want a say in how the money is spent, then now is the time to do it. Not in a year's time.