HUNDREDS of tonnes of rubble have been removed from the site of Otley's old cattle market.

The tidying-up of the long derelict, Bridge End plot has been carried out by local family-run builders Basil Houldsworth and Sons, who now own the land.

The work has consisted of breaking up the former cattle market's old large, raised concrete base - which will be resurfaced - and removing the debris.

It has been undertaken following talks between Richard Houldsworth and the organisers of Otley Carnival and Otley Show, who both use the site.

Mr Houldsworth said: "What's happening at the moment is that the show and carnival use that area for parking and access every year, but they have been restricted because of the old auction market's concrete base.

"So we've broken that old slab up and taken some of it away - by the time we've finished we'll have taken away 800 tonnes and put a material on top that will make it more accessible and usable for the time-being.

"This is something we've been discussing with the show and carnival and there will be other things we can do to improve the site slightly, for them and for other people who may want to use it occasionally.

"We do have future plans for the land but we're at a very early stage and the planners and the public will be made fully aware before anything starts on site."

Otley Show Secretary Janet Raw welcomed the work. She said: "From the outset of purchasing the land Richard has been very supportive of Otley Show.

"He has always said he would ensure that the ground was available for us to use on Showday and in the week leading up to it.

"We are, and always have been, very grateful for the use of the hardstanding, as we otherwise wouldn't be able to hold our Cattle classes.

"The work they have been doing to clear the site and tidy it up gives the entrance to our show a much more pleasing and welcoming appearance."

Ann Steval from Otley Carnival Committee added: "We welcome anything that improves the look of this area whilst preserving access and vital parking space for the lorries in our parade, and other official vehicles.

"We very much appreciate Richard's support for the carnival and his desire to ensure that nothing he does will endanger the future of our event."

Bridge End Cattle Market closed in 2000 and its remaining 'footprint', which is on the flood plain, has long been regarded as an eyesore.

Proposals by previous landowners for housing and parking schemes were refused, while a Leeds City Council enforcement notice - dating back to 2010 - to have the site 'grassed over' was defeated at appeal.

The site was put on sale in 2014 when a group of residents tried, unsuccessfully, to have it classified as an Asset of Community Value to allow them to put together their own bid for it.