OTLEY’S ‘iconic’ Maypole is finally back in place.

The Manchester Square landmark was removed last June after an inspection found it to be dangerously rotten.

Calls for it to be reinstated began straight away, but the replacement pole was finally installed this week - nine months later - as part of a £56,000 project.

The maypole was officially unveiled by dignitaries on Tuesday.

Otley Town Council leader Councillor John Eveleigh (Lab, Ashfield), speaking at the ceremony, said: “The local community was left shocked and dismayed when, just days before the Tour de France came through, our iconic maypole was removed.

“It’s great to have this landmark back and, if we didn’t get it in time for the Tour de France we have at least got it installed for the Tour de Yorkshire!”

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) watched the installation on Tuesday night. He said: “It is nice to see the maypole back where it belongs.

“I would pay tribute to the installation crew, everything went smoothly and to plan, with minimum disruption.”