Otley arcade to provide relief for visitors‎

MORE toilets have opened to the public in Otley in a bid to help tourism and shopping.

Kirkgate Arcade has decided to follow the example set by The Junction Inn, on Bondgate, recently by opening its conveniences up to tourists and day visitors.

The Junction’s landlord, Tony Grey, had decided to declare his toilets officially open to the public after attention was drawn at the annual meeting of Otley Town Council to the lack of adequate facilities in parts of the town.

Now the owner of the shopping arcade on Kirkgate has volunteered to do the same – and both moves are being applauded by Otley & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Chamber President Trevor Backhouse, speaking on behalf of Kirkgate Arcade’s owner, said: “Many of the bodies interested in promoting Otley agree that WC provision is not what it could be.

“The Junction’s offer is a marvellous gesture of goodwill towards the town and the Chamber would like to encourage other businesses around Otley to join in and do the same, if convenient.”

There are currently two sets of official public toilets in Otley town centre, one in the Orchard Gate shopping complex - which charges a fee - and another in Otley Library. North of the river, the sole conveniences are based in the cafe at Wharfemeadows Park.