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MP joins beauty spot fence row
AN MP is threatening to report Leeds Council to a local government watchdog in a long-running row about a safety fence at a Yorkshire beauty spot.
Leeds North West Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland says the authority's actions in installing a fence around the river Wharfe in an Otley park have been an "affront to democracy".
Thousands signed a petition against the fence in Wharfemeadows Park, saying it was an over-reaction to health and safety fears. Despite strong opposition, work began on the fence last week and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.
The council process which led to the fence going up is now under intense scrutiny by locals and the authority's own watchdog body, a scrutiny committee, which tried but failed to get the work halted until their inquiry was done.
Mr Mulholland says he is mindful of reporting the council to the national watchdog, the Local Government Ombudsman, claiming 'maladministration' during the decision-making process.
Mr Mulholland said: "The people of Otley have been ignored.
"It has been an affront to democracy and an absolute disgrace."
The authority installed the fence following and area-wide review of water safety after two teenagers drowned in a lake at Roundhay Park, Leeds.
Councillors said they had taken independent advice from a barrister before the work started.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
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