WORK has finally started on repairing a section of riverside wall in Otley.

Concerns have been raised for some time about the retaining wall in front of the formal part of Wharfe Meadows Park, beside Otley Bridge, due to its base being eroded by the River Wharfe.

Leeds City Council sent a crew out this week to begin the task of securing the structure’s base and repointing it, and will repair the riverside steps at the same time.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I welcome the news that we finally have a start date for this project.

“I have been pushing for some time for this work as there was a real concern that the bridge was in danger of collapsing.

“Hopefully this will secure the area and the work to repair the steps will make them safer for those feeding the ducks. I have also asked if the contractors could keep an eye out for any remains of the old medieval bridge and, if possible, to record the details.”