ATTEMPTS to get parking charges dropped for residents in Otley were unsuccessful at Leeds City Council's budget meeting last week.

The amendment was one of a number put forward by Liberal Democrats.

Speaking after the meeting Otley and Yeadon councillor Colin Campbell said: "The most important of our proposals was to restore Labours cuts in funding for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). People and communities should feel safe and our proposal would have reinstated PCSOs to every area of the city. Unfortunately Labour voted against this sensible proposal on four occasions.

"We also asked for parking charges in Otley to be dropped, Otley is the only area of Leeds where residents have to pay to park, thought the town sees none of the money. Scrapping charges would encourage visitors and help the town recover from the Covid pandemic."

"We have had some success," said Cllr Sandy Lay. "For the last two years we have proposed that the council drop the charge for bulky waste collection. This has proved an issue and helped push Leeds to the top of the fly tipping league. Thankfully the administration have finally agreed and the charge is to be dropped."