Some merit

However, in Otley, apart from A-boards (as they are known) there are boxes of books, furniture, fruit and vegetables and even washing machines spilling out of the shops and into the paths of unsuspecting shoppers. Difficult enough for the nimble footed, the obstructions are a real nightmare for anyone with limited visibility, for those in wheelchairs, and for anyone pushing a stroller.

On market days with stalls lining Kirkgate, the whole street takes on the appearance of a shanty town, with rubbish blowing up and down the town centre and shoppers struggling to make their way through obstacles piled up outside every shop. A recent crackdown on illegal A-boards has resulted in some shops moving their signs closer to their own property - but still not enough have taken notice. It is time that action was also taken against those who allow other items to turn our streets into obstacle courses.

PEOPLE living in outlying parts of Leeds, such as Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley or Guiseley, already know that using public transport to access services in the city centre is fraught with difficulties. But a proposed transfer of services from Leeds General Infirmary to St James's Hospital could make those problems much worse for patients and visitors.

The plans, being considered as part of a much wider health review under the banner of Make Leeds Better, are still at a very early stage but Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust admits it is focusing on 'a single main hospital site' at St James's.

There may be some sound clinical reasons behind that idea, but in terms of hospital accessibility for people in North West Leeds who rely on public transport, the move seems extremely difficult to justify.We can only hope the North West (Outer) Area Committee, which debated the topic on Monday, will express their concerns forcibly enough to make those responsible reconsider.