News & Events from Otley Town Council
Delivering Otley 800 will be a team effort across our community and we are recruiting to 5 new roles, to help us make the programme a great success. Whether you want to manage it, promote it, record it or are a tapestry expert, these roles could be for you.
The full details are on the Otley Town Council website now, so have a look – come and join us! You have until 19th October 2026 to tender. Otley Town Council Job Vacancies | Otley Town Council
Otley Town Council is delighted to announce that it has been successful in securing an award of £185,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in support of the landmark Otley 800 celebrations scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
The Heritage Fund award will be matched by a similar investment from the council, providing significant funding for the ambitious programme that celebrates two significant anniversaries in the West Yorkshire market town’s history: the granting of a Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the construction of a bridge over the River Wharfe a year later. These two events helped establish Otley as a major centre for medieval trade, in turn shaping the town we know today.
Led by Otley Town Council and with input from the wider community, Otley 800 aims to bring together thousands of residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate and take pride in the town’s heritage, while also providing a legacy for future generations.
The Otley 800 programme consists of five major threads:
Leader of Otley Town Council, Councillor Penny Robinson, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that our application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been successful. The £185,000 award markedly changes the tone and scope of the celebrations. Alongside the significant investment already committed by Otley Town Council, it gives us the opportunity to create a very special celebration that honours the past while looking to the future.
“It’s important that Otley 800 belongs to the whole community, giving people the chance to celebrate their hometown and its wider importance to Yorkshire and, indeed, the world. During the development of the bid, a significant number of local groups submitted some fantastic ideas for their own celebrations, and we now look forward to seeing how these can be developed further, as well as welcoming further ideas for events and projects.
“On behalf of Otley Town Council, I would like to thank the Heritage Fund for their positive response to our application. I would also like to thank my predecessor as leader of the council, Councillor Richard Hughes, and Councillor Paul Carter, who has chaired the Otley 800 steering committee on behalf of the council for two years, giving us the platform for the funding application and the programme itself. They have worked tirelessly in shaping the Otley 800 celebrations and should be applauded for their efforts.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “800 years of heritage means that Otley has a lot of history to celebrate! We’re delighted that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we can support this programme of events that will delve into the varied heritage of Otley and allow its communities to explore and uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped the town.”
With the granting of the Heritage Fund award, Otley Town Council will now move forward with the community grants process through which local groups will be able to apply for funding for projects celebrating Otley’s cultural and commercial heritage.
Following an initial expression of interest process in early 2026, it is anticipated that the first round of community grant applications will open in October 2026. Further information about the application process and available funding will be announced in the coming weeks.
Residents or groups who would like to get involved can visit the Otley 800 website or email [email protected]
Cllr Richard Hughes – 18th May 2026
As presenting this report is this is my last duty as Chair of the Council, I hope you will indulge me by allowing me to reminisce a little. To do so, I must break the convention that this report covers the last year; I want to say something about the last seven since I became Chair.
Imagine the scene: I had been Chair for only nine months, COVID was preventing the Council from operating properly, our Executive Officer and Town Clerk had resigned, the Council finances were worrying me, and I couldn’t easily meet other Councillors to find out their views – I was bound to ask, “Why am I doing this? I don’t even get paid!” The answer for me and my fellow Councillors was obvious then and is obvious now: Otley deserves a Town Council that facilitates all that is great about our town, protecting our heritage, our community ethos and our pride in place. Together, whatever our political stripe, we work for that.
In the Bible, the number seven represents perfection and completeness and so it somehow seems appropriate that I am stepping down from the role of Otley Town Council Chair after that many years helping my fellow Councillors and our wonderful staff make a significant difference in our community. As the elected body for the town and with the resources of the precept (about £100 per household) behind us, we have successfully fought for Otley, worked for Otley and invested in Otley. I am proud of what we have achieved.
It is traditional to start with three sets of thanks:
To the community for its support, whether reflected through attendance at meetings (thank you for attending this evening!), talking to us on the phone or by email, or working through one of Otley’s other great organisations that share their ideas, expertise, and enthusiasms as we work together for Otley.
To the Council staff, who respond so diligently to the needs of residents, Councillors and the Council administration. We have a largely settled team now and colleagues are helping us ensure value for money and effective administration. We are grateful for the way in which staff help to manage Council projects and provide excellent support for the public, including maintaining the Council’s commitment to a public enquiries desk and telephone service. And who hide their frustration with new demands and ideas from Councillors extremely well.
I would like to note in particular the work of Dr Jason Knowles, who has moved on from his post as Town Clerk and Executive Officer after 14 years with Otley Town Council, over six of which were in the top job, and during which time he kept many plates spinning successfully, editing Otley Matters, managing Council assets, overseeing the Council’s legal and financial compliance, managing staff and projects and generally keeping the house in order – challenging where some Councillors were concerned. Jason was always professional, deeply conscientious and hugely hard-working. He is being missed badly by colleagues, Councillors and the community.
To my fellow Councillors who have, as ever, been unfailingly helpful and supportive. I am grateful for all their voluntary hard work on behalf of the community; and for their commitment to ensure that the Town Council, as the elected public body for the town, discharges its responsibility to do all it can to keep Otley special and thriving.
It’s been a wonderful time being Chair: sometimes difficult as I mentioned, but mostly great fun with new friendships made both within and beyond the Council, exciting challenges to overcome, people and organisations to support through advice, contacts, practical partnership and judiciously invested sums of money.
The Investing in Otley scheme has made a significant difference for the Chippendale Centre refurbishment, to completion of the Prince Henry’s 3G pitch, to Otley Cricket Club and, just this year, to Grove Hill Bowls Club and to Otley Common.
Community grants have supported a myriad of small ventures and projects. We have been successful in attracting outside money into the town for cycling and walking support, helping local travel become easier, healthier and more sustainable – in the last few months we have obtained West Yorkshire funding to improve the path to and from the Ilkley Road Underpass.
I am particularly delighted that a project I had a part in (and which, I am pleased to say, my wife, Cllr Sarah Hughes, also had a major part in) – the refurbishment of Otley Play Parks – was achieved so successfully.
There is no doubt that the Town Council’s financial contribution, but also its willingness to work with residents’ groups had a big impact on the outcome. The work of Sarah and Cllr Sylvia Thomson with the Friends of Weston Play Park was exemplary local Councillor community involvement.
Of course, I also want to acknowledge Leeds City Council’s willingness to prioritise this and thank Town Council colleagues for support and City Ward Councillors Colin Campbell (congratulations on your recent re-election, Colin), Sandy Lay and Ryk Downes for their crucial influence and contribution.
Early on in my time as Chair, we achieved a major endorsement of the Otley Neighbourhood Plan. This has informed our approach to planning and protecting our local environment.
It was key to our 28-page comment on the, frankly dreadful, original plans for the East of Otley development; I am delighted that our response was adjudged to have been significant in pausing that application.
We also declared a Biodiversity Emergency and every year we now sit down with colleagues from nature organisations to agree a plan to support our wildlife using local expertise and Council money.
We have invested in our Gallows Hill Nature Reserve and were delighted when just recently it was designated a Local Wildlife Area.
We have invested in our town centre and here I must pay tribute to Cllr Paul Carter who has led this support with huge energy, working closely with Otley BID and including organising the banners and new signage totems around town, and, this spring, launching the Made in Otley Awards.
And, of course, we have continued to organise town events including the Remembrance Day Parade and the Lights switch-on and to support our nearly 200 allotment holders.
Behind the scenes we have renewed our policies and put in place much better systems for managing Council (and therefore public) assets, ensuring better value for money. Credit is particularly due to Cllr Jo Allen for leadership in this area.
Throughout all of this, I have been part of a wonderful team of 15 Councillors, who all give their time freely, expertly and collaboratively. I have also worked with staff who have a heart for their job and for Otley, whether they have been at the Council 20 years and still love coming to work, or just a few months and bring energy, enthusiasm and new ideas.
Whilst I can’t help but look back at a time like this, I also look to the future. We have a capable replacement chair in Penny Robinson, and I will continue as Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee working with Wildlife Friendly Otley and other fantastic organisations and individuals committed to our local environment.
We have the Otley 800 celebrations to look forward to, a new Neighbourhood Plan, partnerships to nurture, money to invest and an east of Otley development to monitor and influence.
If you think you could be a part of that, let us know and who knows, perhaps you could end up having the time of your life as I have done.
The Annual Parish Meeting and Town Council Annual Meeting will take place on Monday 18th May 2026 @7pm at the Bridge Church, Otley
In the run up to Christmas FREE Saturday parking will return to Otley.
Starting on Saturday 29 November and on every Saturday until Christmas there will be no charge for parking in Otley.
“Free parking is something the Town and City Councillors have negotiated with Leeds,” says Cllr Paul Carter. “This is a positive boost for traders and residents”.
“Free parking is a plus for the local economy,” says Cllr Colin Campbell. “Residents benefit from easier access to Otley’s many shops and traders benefit from more shoppers. As both residents and visitors say you can get everything you need for Christmas in Otley.”
Monday 24th November
5:30 PM – 7:15 PM
Otley Market Place
🎆 Fireworks at 7 PM 🎆
✨ What’s Happening?
Kick off the festive season in Otley with an evening full of sparkle, music, and magic!
Don’t miss the big Christmas Lights Switch-On and fireworks display!
Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening of festive fun.
Sunday 9th November
Remembrance Sunday Parade will commence at 2:00 PM
on Station Road, Otley
Following the parade, a Remembrance Service will be held at Our Lady and All Saints Catholic Church on Bridge Street, Starting at 2:30 PM, led by Fr. Nicholas Hird.
Tuesday 11th November
A short service will also take place at 10:45 AM in the Memorial Garden.
All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.
#OtleyRemembers #RemembranceSunday #LestWeForget
Otley Town Council Support for Proposed Kirkgate Improvements
Otley Town Council welcomes the news that Leeds City Council has been successful in a funding bid to Active Travel England (a government organisation) which will enable significant improvements to the pedestrian environment in the town centre. The Town Council supported the bid on behalf of residents who told us, during extensive consultation, that improvements on Kirkgate would be welcome*. It should be positive for residents and visitors, benefitting business as well.
In line with community requests, the proposals will widen the footpath on the east side of Kirkgate to provide more space for walkers and wheelers, develop a ‘café culture’ further, whilst the usable carriageway will be made wider to improve traffic flows. Planning discussion will consider how best to provide a loading bay for both business deliveries, a pickup point for shoppers and provision of dedicated disabled spaces.
It is intended that a financial contribution from the Town Council will enable tree planting and new seating in the area to further enhance the environment
*The Town Council commissioned a report into town centre improvements from PJA Consulting. PJA Consulting specifically asked the public their views on Kirkgate improvements; during a two stage consultation, pavement widening on the east side of the street was supported. The report can be found here: www.otleytowncouncil.gov.uk/streetvision2030/
Following changes announced by First Bus late last year and early this year, Otley Town Council has commissioned People and Places Insight to conduct an independent survey of the bus services to and from Otley.
We would like to hear from current and former users including commuters, visitors, disabled people, late-night travellers, and students. The survey will take five-minutes to complete, and there is an option to enter a prize draw for a £50 Voucher. Your responses are completely confidential and are protected under the Data Protection Act (1998) as amended.
All responses will be anonymised, analysed, and included in a Report to be used to lobby West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), First Bus and others to improve bus services to and from Otley. To access this all-important survey please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OtleyBusUsers25 or scan the attached QR Code.
Alternatively, if you struggle to complete surveys electronically, please do not hesitate to contact Mike King, Director, People and Places Insight, [email protected]
