BUS users from Otley and Yeadon are being urged to check timetables as major works are set to start in central Leeds.

The east bound carriageway of the Headrow will be closed to traffic to allow work to go ahead from September 1 until Autumn 2020.

Otley and Yeadon councillors Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes are urging local bus users to check timetables to avoid problems while the work is taking place.

Cllr Lay said:”The scheme will provide a better pedestrian environment but during the period of the work there will be disruption to bus routes which use The Headrow and there will be a knock on effect on other services.

“For Otley residents using the X84/85 service the main change is that the bus will no longer use the Leeds Bus Station with the service stopping at Albion Street.”

Cllr Colin Campbell said: “There will also be minor changes to the 33/34 service on the route into Leeds. This involves a slight re-routing of the inbound service with outbound unchanged.”

Cllr Downes added: “Hopefully the changes will not lead to a deterioration in service. We will however be monitoring the situation and be seeking an assurance that if this happens action will be taken to maintain services.”

Work is being carried out on The Headrow as part of a large scheme to turn the road into a more pedestrian friendly area along with new bus stops. The works are part of the Connecting Leeds programme which aims to improve bus boarding and waiting environment in Leeds City Centre.

While the works are underway the east bound carriageway of The Headrow will be closed with many east bound bus routes taking a diversion via Calverley Street, Great George Street and Merrion Street. North bound bus services will also be affected by the road closure if they would normally have operated part of their route east bound on The Headrow.