ANYONE interested in sports facilities in Otley is urged to attend a public meeting at the civic centre next Thursday.

Organised by the Otley Advisory Sports Council, it is hoped consultants working on a lottery bid for a community sports centre at Prince Henry's Grammar School and Leeds city councillors will be at the meeting.

John Morgan, chairman of Otley Advisory Sports Council, said it was vital that anyone who felt strongly about sport was at the meeting to show support.

"We need everyone who has an interest in sports provision in Otley to attend this meeting," said Mr Morgan. He said the council had become increasingly frustrated over delays to provide the town with better facilities.

Promises were made more than 20 years ago and in the last year, Leeds Council had agreed to apply for a grant.

"Consultants were engaged to make a basic costing survey as part of this. This was to be followed by more detailed reports which was to take in the views of the community.

"That is the situation at present and there has been a delay of almost a year now when seemingly nothing has happened, so we have called a public meeting to avoid any further delays," he said.

Mr Morgan said most people thought the most urgent improvements were the bringing up to standard of the swimming pool and the provision of an all-weather pitch.

"An illuminated all weather pitch should be provided to enable hockey to take place again in Otley. If this was a flexible facility, it would satisfy the needs of other sports also," said Mr Morgan.

He added a substantial refurbishment of the sports hall was also necessary and possibly of sufficient height to accommodate the needs of groups such as the Otley Rhythmic Gymnastic Club.

The meeting at Otley Civic Centre on Thursday is due to start at 7.30pm. Anyone not able to attend but who would like to make suggestions, should telephone Mr Morgan on (01943) 464826.

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