A NEW shared pedestrian/cycle path through Manor Garth park in Otley has been completed.

The news has been welcomed by the town's ward councillors, who hope it will encourage more people to walk or cycle.

Cllr Colin Campbell said:"At the beginning of the pandemic the government made funds available to improve walking and cycling facilities.We immediately put in a bid and money was approved for works in Wharfemeadows and Manor Garth. The newly completed stretch creates a safe route from the west to the north of the town avoiding Manor Square.

"We hope it will encourage children and young people to walk/cycle to St Josephs and Prince Henry's Grammar schools and persuade residents that shopping using a bike is an alternative."

Cllr Ryk Downes added:"This is part of our vision to have a safe cycle route around Otley. It's still someway off but Manor Garth is an important piece in the jigsaw."

Cllr Sandy Lay said:"There is more work to do, and we are in discussions with Highways about other schemes including the provision of a safe crossing on Bridge Street to allow easier access to Manor Garth."