Newsagent says culvert work is bad for business

Work to reconstruct the underground culvert in Harden, near Bingley, began on May 17 but has been delayed since July 19.

Newsagent Tony Towler, who runs Harden Post Office in Harden Road, where the work is taking place, says it has impacted on parking for his customers.

The work was delayed following the discovery of a large sewer. It is understood that Yorkshire Water wanted to charge 45,000 to divert the sewer but Bradford Council did not consider the fee an appropriate use of taxpayers' money.

Mr Towler said: "Non of my passing trade can stop. The passing trade has only just started again with Ireland Bridge re-opening. The Ireland Bridge work saw a 15 to 20 per cent drop in takings but since they have been out here a further 50 per cent has been hit.

"I am not going to see that trade come back overnight because people who stop for their morning papers get set in their routine. They will go elsewhere for quite a long time to come. It's crucifying me."

Bradford Council and Yorkshire Water have now agreed an alternative way forward and work is due to resume today.

John Anderson, principal engineer at Bradford Council's highways structures unit, said: "We have every sympathy for anyone adversely affected by the vital work being carried out at Harden roundabout.

"However, there has been a delay with this scheme, as we have been unable to replace the culvert straightaway because there is a large sewer in the way. Work cannot progress until the sewer is diverted."

He added that "alternative parking is available for customers of the post office a short distance away".