BUS passengers in Otley have been sharing concerns with their local MP.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) was in the town on Friday, February 1 to gather opinions ahead of a public meeting with First Bus this week.

The MP spoke to passengers at Otley Bus Station and also visited the homes of some bus users to note down any issues they have been having with local services.

Mr Sobel was due to raise those points directly with First Bus at a meeting in Headingley’s Heart Centre which starts at 5.45pm on Thursday, February 7.

He said: “I hope as many people as possible can attend the meeting to help us to push First into improving the services we all depend on.

“Leeds North West is a big constituency and I realise that some may be put off by making the trip to Heart. That is why it was so vitally important for me to speak to residents in Otley, to make sure their views are represented at the meeting.

“I will also encourage First to put on a bus event in the north of the constituency later this year.”

He added: “There is no reason why our service cannot meet the standards of other UK cities.

“It is only by improving public transport that we will see a reduction of congestion, ending this vicious circle. We need to accept that bus deregulation has failed and to bring back local control over our routes.”