OTLEY businesses have enjoyed putting questions to their local MP.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) hosted a question and answer session at Otley and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce's meeting on Tuesday, September 18.

The MP took questions on a range of issues including local transport services and policing - and also outlined his vision for boosting tourism and working with local firms.

Mr Sobel said: "It was a great pleasure to meet so many wonderful local businesses.

"It is important for me to engage with the concerns of businesses to understand how I can best represent them and ensure the best possible environment for them to thrive in Otley.

"It has been a difficult few years for small business and it is important that policies are implemented at a national level to help them thrive.

"It was interesting to hear that the concerns of local businesses are often the same as the issues that affect residents - they need a thriving transport service that brings people into the town.

"I talked in detail about the need for bus regulation and the process to get it.

"Businesses were also worried about the cuts to local police. I absolutely agreed with them and reminded them about Labour's pledge to recruit 10,000 more officers."

He added: "I have visited many local businesses in Otley over the past year and look forward to meeting more in the months and years to come."