Street Furniture
As you are aware we now have good ongoing relationship with Leeds City Council and the Community Service team. Following the fantastic work that the team have undertaken throughout the Spring and Summer months, we can now confirm that the 2nd phase of painting work will start very shortly.
This will involve the street furniture in car parks as well as streets such as Westgate up to Waitrose and the bottom of Burras Lane. As before, Leeds City Council Highways Department have agreed to pay for all costs incurred in this project, eg paint etc.
Memorial Gardens
In our ongoing commitment to the Memorial Gardens in the centre of town, we have been in talks with a local business and BID member to clean and revive the seating in the gardens.
Discussions are being held with Leeds City Council Parks Department in relation to the ongoing improvements of the gardens. We will keep you updated as talks progress.
Photo courtesy of St Mary’s Menston
Shopping App
We are currently progressing early discussions regarding a shopping app for Otley’s small independent businesses.
This project is in its infancy and more information will be provided as/if this is to be progressed.
Highways Enforcement
The BID was advised by local independents that Leeds City Council’s Highways Enforcement had started charging businesses for placing items on the highway. Discussions are underway with some businesses regarding items in front of their shops.
The BID Manager has spoken with the Head of Highways and it has been agreed they will meet to try and find a better way forward. If one is found it may be rolled out across the city region.
VIP Visitors to the Town
Last month Peter Mudge invited Superintendent Lisa Atkinson – Head of Neighbourhood Operations for Leeds to discuss the role of Otley BID and ways the Police and the BID can work together.
Subsequently Peter was delighted to welcome Leeds City Council’s Head of Communities, Shaid Mahmood, who again wanted to better understand the work being undertaken through the BID.
Both enjoyed their visits and spoke of it subsequently. On the day Supt Atkinson Tweeted:
“Just had a really good meeting with Peter Mudge, Otley BID Manager. Now meeting the community in Otley <thumbs up>
And Shaid Mahmood tweeted:
“Fantastic ‘Hands Up Everyone’ initiative in Otley to promote the town welcoming diversity.”
It is great to have community led VIP’s such as Lisa and Shaid interested and happy to help with the town. Both met with businesses and are keen to develop our working relationship further and help us with ongoing projects.
‘Hands Up’ Artwork
On the subject of the ‘Hands Up Everyone Welcome in Otley’ Artwork, this was the brainchild of local artist Alice Taylor.
Alice was looking for space to display her project when Otley BID came to her rescue. We asked the property owner of the ex-Motor World shop if they would mind her using their windows to show off the artwork. As a result they were able to help Alice create a colourful and meaningful display in a shop undergoing renovation which, because of it’s key location, gives Alice the fabulous exposure she needs.
Visit facebook.com/handsupotley for more details.