THE introduction of free public Wi-fi at Otley Library looks likely to be delayed until spring.

Leeds City Council has been rolling out the service at public buildings across the city, with most due to be in place by the end of this month.

But the authority is now warning that upgrading of its networking facilities at a few locations, including Otley Library, might not take place until April.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) is angry about the delay – and blaming BT for it.

He said: “I think it’s intolerable that BT’s refusal to upgrade Wi-fi connectivity is preventing the provision of this valuable service to Otley residents.

“Nowadays, with more and more things being done online, it is vitally important that everyone in Otley has access to fast broadband.

“The city council is trying to do its bit to assist by providing a free service in all public buildings but BT’s refusal to upgrade services mean that this will not happen for months.”

BT, however, has rejected any suggestion that it is refusing to do the work or delaying progress.

A spokeswoman said: “The outdoor Wi-fi in Leeds is being delivered by AQL and Virgin Media using their own infrastructure and has a no dependencies at all on BT.

“However, right at the end of December we did receive an order for upgraded connectivity for indoor Wi-fi at Otley Library.

“There is a standard lead-time for these types of orders which allow time for us to plan and schedule the delivery.

“There is no delay in terms of the BT element of this delivery. We are simply working within our published lead times from the date the order was placed and are on schedule to deliver within those agreed timescales.

“I fully appreciate the frustration to those waiting for this community service to be switched on, and if any time at all can be saved we will certainly endeavour to do so.”

The city council’s free Wi-fi project is introducing publicly available Wi-fi at arts galleries, museums, libraries, children’s centres and other public buildings across Leeds.