WORK is finally underway on the ‘final piece of Otley’s 20mph jigsaw’.

The town’s first 20mph zones for residential streets were introduced in 2014 but the proposals for Ashfield were delayed. Now Leeds City Council has begun work in the area with road signs set to be installed within the next few weeks and further works expected to be completed before Christmas.

Ward councillors (all Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) have hailed the news as ‘an early Christmas present’ for residents. Cllr Colin Campbell said: “This is the final piece in the jigsaw of a scheme we have been working on for several years. When complete it will mean that all the residential areas of Otley are covered by a 20mph speed limit.”

Cllr Sandy Lay said: “These 20mph limits reduce pollution and accidents and residents tell us how much they support them as a way of keeping people safe.”

Cllr Ryk Downes added: “There are other areas where speeding is a concern, particularly in the town centre, so we are also looking at how these can be made safer.”