Otley Run update - including work with the New Inn

We had a useful chat with staff at the New Inn in November, followed by a rainy street surgery on Saturday in that area with some of our super friendly local resident volunteers! Following that we felt it'd be useful to share a short Otley Run update.

1. We have successfully had the council's 'Cumulative Impact Assessment' policy for Headingley and Weetwood reviewed and strengthened, making it harder for new venues to join the Otley Run and making it more possible to add further conditions to existing licences

2. The New Inn suggested they could start litter picking on Cottage Road, and in general we want to work closely with them and other venues in the area to play a positive role in the neighbourhood

3. As you may know, we did introduce powers for police and council officers to move on and fine large groups who are blocking the pavement (and don't move when asked to), but we realised it was not well understood by local enforcement officers. We've asked them to make more active use of these powers

4. We're looking at introducing more such powers in the area, including bans on offensive costumes and other provisions which are a little too early to talk about

5. We have objected to the Golden Beam application to join the Otley Run

Apart from that, there is more enforcement on an ongoing basis - including policing every Saturday afternoon - and venues have agreed to fund more policing themselves. We're working out the detail of that, but will keep you updated as we go.