WORK to improve road safety at Old Pool Bank is finally underway - though part of the scheme has been dropped.

Residents and councillors had been demanding action at the hamlet, which the busy A660 Leeds Road passes through, for years.

But it was the tragic death of 18 year old Kate Whalley, who was hit by a speeding car while walking home in June, 2017, that led to a concerted push for change.

Leeds City Council drew up proposals which included cutting the speed limit between Otley and Old Pool Bank to 50mph, extending the 40mph area in the hamlet further down the A660 towards Otley, installing gateways signs and creating an area for the police to position a vehicle with a speed camera.

The 40mph extension plan is now proceeding and the signs were moved to their new location this week, while speed camera signs have also gone up.

The council is not, however, proceeding with the 50mph proposal for the A660.

In a message to Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale), the Highways department said: "The legal order to amend the speed limits were advertised and unfortunately we did receive formal objections to these proposals, all associated with the reduction in speed limit in front of the Chevin to a 50mph limit.

"Officers have been working with these objectors to try and resolve matters to enable the other road safety improvements within the hamlet to be implemented and active enforcement of the speed limit to begin.

"To that effect we have approval to reposition the start of the 40mph speed limit beyond the bend on the approach to Cragg View. The speed limit signs are to be relocated to their new location on July 15 and the new village gateway signs will be erected in their place on the same date.

"In addition speed camera signs will also be erected to inform motorists that camera enforcement is now active. The electrical connections to the new speed limit starting position are programmed for July 22.

"Enforcement of the 40mph speed limit will then commence after July 22."

It added that the council would review the requested 50mph limit once the other measures had been implemented and police enforcement had become 'embedded'.

Cllr Anderson welcomed the fact that action was being taken, but was disappointed that the 50mph proposal had stalled.

He also stressed that it was vital for the police to now start enforcing the speed limit. He said: "It is important that (the new area for speed checking) is used: this might then provide further evidence as to what the speed limit should be on the main road - 50mph, 60mph or another limit.

"The important thing to remember is that it has taken the death of a young girl to get this work done. It is important that Highways put in measures that stop serious accidents occurring in the future and not wait until something occurs, and then try to 'retrofit' things in."