Plans for Otley Market and a walking festival are being stepped up by Otley Town Partnership.

A group of councillors and business people, which was set up two years ago, is looking for new people to help put into action its aims and ideas.

It is looking to develop the market and preserve its character and also set up a yearly walking festival, taking in the area's best walks.

Councillor Phil Coyne, Partnership chairman, said: "What we're now involved with is the critical stage of implementing the plans. To achieve this, we have to restructure the partnership and have to move on from the information gathering phase to the action stage."

Peter Heald, project head, said: "Otley is a historic market town, which has been trading for near on 1,000 years. We recognise that the market is central to Otley's trading history and therefore we are working closely with Leeds markets to plan for the long term future of Otley market."

It is hoped the walking festival will take place in the summer.

Ruth Blackwell, who is co-ordinating it, said there were some great walks in the area.

"There'll be walks to suit all, including railway walks, Chevin rambles and town strolls.''

Anyone interested in joining the Partnership should contact Les Cross at Otley Civic Centre on (01943) 466335.

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