Bridge campaign banks £10,000 from benefactor

The Burley Bridge Association (BBA) has been campaigning to promote a safe crossing of the river at Burley-in-Wharfedale, near Ilkley, for 15 years.

Thanks to the generous donation, planning permission will now be sought for the latest designs.

It will cost the association around £30,000 to take the plans for a crossing at Greenholme Farm, Leather Bank, to a planning application.

A spokesman said: “The public right of way lies across stepping stones which are impassable for most of the time and it is hoped that the latest pledge will boost the efforts for a safe all-year-round crossing.

“The BBA needs to get financial help from supporters and efforts are centred on promoting the plans unveiled last year for a simpler crossing.

“The BBA’s latest benefactor has happy memories of early days in Burley and feels a bridge would be an amenity to benefit the village.”

Engineering firm Ramboll UK has produced the plans.

The bridge would give the village access to the Nidderdale area of outstanding natural beauty on the other bank.

For more information go to www.burleybridge.com.