Otley to shine brighter than ever after £100,000 Christmas lights makeover
A Leeds market town is investing £100k to transform its Christmas lights
A Leeds market town is preparing for its brightest Christmas yet after the council announced a £100,000 investment to transform the festive lights.
The improved lighting will go on display this Christmas and will include new neon motifs across Otley town centre.
There will be new lighting for the Buttercross, opposite the Post Office, Tittybottle Park and Billams Hill, as well as new Otley 800 motifs at the gateways to the town.
Otley Town Council will also replace the ageing times that run the system in a bid to save on energy costs.
The town council is working alongside Otley BID and Let’s Light Up Otley for Christmas bringing together public investment, business support and community fundraising to help light up the town.
They are aiming to fund new lights for trees within the grounds of Otley Parish Church.
Coun Paul Carter, chair of Otley Town Council trade and tourism committee, said: “The message came through load and clear from our research that residents wanted improvements to the Christmas lights and that’s just what we are going to deliver.
“The one-off investment in the infrastructure controlling the lights will serve the community for years to come.”
Janet Francis, who leads Let’s Light Up Otley for Christmas, said: “The response from residents and local businesses has shown just how much Otley’s Christmas lights matter to people.
“Every donation we receive has helped us build a bigger pot and, crucially, improve the quality of what can be delivered.”
Katie Burnett, chair of Otley BID, said: “Christmas is one of the most important trading periods of the year for Otley’s independent businesses, so making the town look welcoming, attractive and festive can give a real economic boost, as well as bringing enjoyment to residents."