Here are just some of our current projects: Otley in Bloom always has a number of projects in progress. We're lucky to have plenty of volunteers to pick up a trowel or a broom and improve one of the town's green spaces. If you'd like to hear more about our Task Force please contact us... We're also using the Otley Town Enhancement Study document as the basis for some of the larger projects. These often require a funding bid because of their higher cost and a project manager to drive it all forward. Town Gateways - A current project One of the big projects over the past year has been working towards the improvement of Otley's Gateways - signed structures built on each of the roads into Otley. This project is one of the innovative schemes described in the well-received Otley Town Enhancement Study published in Spring 2005. The Study document states: "The key aim of the Gateway structures is to highlight to motorists and pedestrians that they are arriving in Otley. This could be achieved using a structure which is unique to the town giving it an individual but linked identity". The consultation process in 2004/2005 identified that people thought that the main entrances into Otley could be improved with attractive signposts to make people aware that they were entering Otley. The Consultants suggested attractive stone signposts which were in keeping with the area. These designs can be seen in the Otley Town Enhancement Study document. Otley in Bloom has already formed a working partnership with the Otley and Yorkshire Dales Branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) to assess the sites, create a preliminary plan and make an estimate of costs. The First Phase of this Project is to construct a single gateway structure (around 8' by 4' tall) on the Leeds Road (A660) coming into Otley. Otley Town Councillors have been approached and discussions have already started with Leeds City Council Highways Department. The Otley in Bloom group recognised that this is a huge project as there are nine roads into Otley. It was decided that we would begin by working towards creating one of these stone signs on the Leeds Road which is one of the busiest routes. We thought that by installing this one gateway for everyone to see it would then help us gain funding and support to do the same on the other roads into Otley. The group contacted the Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Association who were very keen to be involved and have helped by providing the group with advice and costings to do the work. Each Gateway is estimated to cost between £1,000 and £2,000. The Otley In Bloom group has also had several meetings with Leeds City Council Highways Department to talk through the issues of installing these signs. The proposed design for the first of the Gateways is shown here. It incorporates an impressive gritstone boulder with the front face cut to receive the carved Otley lettering. The group applied for a grant from the Leeds North West Area committee for £500 as part funding for the first Gateway and we have just received the news that the application has been successful. Otley Chamber of Trade have generously donated £350 and We are now in the process of securing the remaining funding so that the work on the first Gateway can begin. We anticipate that the work will be carried out by the Dry Stone Walling Association during Spring 2008. Street Furniture - Now completed Part of The Town Enhancement Study suggested the appearance of the town would be greatly improved if the town furniture was the same throughout the town. The group has met and discussed this with the Chamber of Trade & Commerce in Otley who have now produced an excellent 'Street Furniture Guide'. This is being actively used by the local councils and the developers working in the town. Removal of Hoardings - A current project Part of the Otley Town Enhancement Study suggested the removal of the huge unsightly advertising hoardings which are on the main roads into Otley - and within the Conservation Area. It is felt that they are not in keeping with a small historic market town. As a group we are now in the process of challenging the advertising companies to show that they have planning permission for the hoardings. With Leeds City Council we will then be pressing for their removal. Otley Town Council have agreed to take ownership of the land thus released and Otley in Bloom will then design and implement an appropriate floral display. Otley in Bloom - working with the business community and the people of Otley to make our town a greener place to live. Home | About the Group | Awards | Sponsors | Grants | Yorkshire in Bloom Calendar | Current Projects | Task Force | Constitution | Notices | Downloads Otley Town Enhancement Study | Gallery | Meeting minutes | Links | Contact