OTLEY Liberal Democrats have announced two candidates for the forthcoming Town Council by-elections on May 6, following the resignation of two councillors on Ashfield Ward and Danefield Ward.

Tom Featherstone has been selected for Ashfield, which comprises all addresses north of the river and west of Newall Carr Road, while James Sebright has been selected for Danefield, which includes homes east of Gay Lane and south of Side Copse, and out towards Pool.

Both Tom and James grew up in Otley, and still live and work locally. Tom is a committee member of the Otley Defibrillator Scheme, and works in adult social care with Leeds City Council, for a service helping people return home after hospital into a safe and supportive environment. James previously worked for Greg Mulholland when he was the Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, and now works in marketing for Otley manufacturing business Craftsman Tools. Both candidates are focused on making Otley a better and more enjoyable place to live and visit, and hold green issues close to their hearts.

Tom Featherstone, Lib Dem candidate for Ashfield Ward, said:“I am passionate about our town, focusing on improving our green spaces and making existing areas more accessible for all people to enjoy, while protecting the wildlife of Otley and surrounding areas. I really hope to be a committed and determined representative for the people of the Ashfield ward, listening to their thoughts and concerns and bringing their views to the council, to ensure their voices are heard and acted upon.”

James Sebright, Lib Dem candidate for Danefield Ward, added:“I am proud that my home town of Otley is already a wonderful place to live and work, but I hope to work with the people of the town to make it even better. The Lib Dem Otley Town Council has an excellent record on green issues and, if elected, I will contribute all I can from May. I want to hold the developers to account on the East of Otley Development, pushing for green, affordable housing, investment in public transport, and provision of local services and education. I intend to carry on the excellent work of Cllr Ray Georgeson, who has resigned as Lib Dem councillor for Danefield to move to Scotland.”

Cllr Richard Hughes, Chair of the Town Council (Lib Dem, West Chevin), said:“The Liberal Democrat Otley Town Council is proud of having made a Declaration of a Climate Emergency even before Leeds City Council. It pursues an active Green agenda: planning for a pedestrian and cyclist friendly town through Street Vision 2030 and the Wharfedale Greenway; financing the energy efficient refurbishment of the Otley Older People’s Welfare; supporting Otley 2030. It is therefore exciting to have secured two Liberal Democrat candidates for the May by-elections to the council who share those green values and come bursting with ideas for how to make Otley a better and greener place to live.”