VANDALS who damaged metal barriers on Ilkley's suspension bridge have been branded "highly irresponsible" by a local councillor.

Independent ward councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "These haven’t been put there for fun. They are safety precautions and although considered unsightly they are hopefully temporary but necessary

"There also needs to be added personnel at entrance to bridge to act as safety officers on high risk days.
"Tearing them down is highly irresponsible and also damaging property. It’s not a joke when one of the dive bombers has now received such serious injuries. These will affect him permanently it appears all because of some macho bravado gesture."
Metal barriers which were installed on Ilkley's suspension bridge in a bid to deter 'tombstoning' were vandalised less than a month after being put in place.

Sections of the barriers were torn away to allow people to climb onto the side and jump into the river.

The issue was highlighted on Facebook at the weekend by Ilkley councillor Kyle Green, who wrote: "Thank you to residents for advising me that the bridge barriers have been damaged (again.) I have contacted the council to get proper monitoring of the site with staff in addition to the barriers (which I thought was due to be the case when they were installed) as well as for the damaged sections to be replaced.I would again highlight as per the picture below the reason why jumping from the bridge isn’t a great idea."

Cllr Green highlighted a post from someone who had jumped off the bridge - breaking both sides of his ankles and his fibula bone - and who was now warning others not to take the risk.

Two days later Cllr Green posted: "Ilkley riverside parks have had some real challenges this week and I am attending a meeting this week to look at urgent action to implement changes to prevent the unacceptable events that have taken place.For now though I want to put on record my thanks to the incredible FOIRP volunteers who do so much to help reduce these issues through their hard work and dedication"

Speaking after the meeting about the recent acts of vandalism and issues at the riverside area, Cllr Green (Con, Ilkley) said: “It is clear that the ongoing unacceptable behaviour and issues at the riverside area are continuing to cause problems.

"I have made it clear to Bradford Council officers that we need to see real investment in the park’s facilities in order to manage the huge number of visitors who attend during periods of hot weather. I am in the process of arranging a meeting with decision-makers who can help this happen.

"In the interim I have attended a meeting with the police and council officers who continue to support measures to stop bridge jumping. To be clear, this is to stop the subsequent atmosphere and knock-on behaviour this creates in the area (though as the recent horrific injury shows, jumping from the bridge is not a wise choice). I continue to push the case for a better permanent solution than the barriers. I also reiterated the need for the barriers to be managed by staff and for more staff to be employed to make the PSPO work, as well as looking to amend it to include 16-18 year olds in its scope.

"It is vital that a family-friendly atmosphere is created at the park and it is ridiculous that the council’s ‘Play in the Parks’ scheme has not included an Ilkley event. Despite this, I am grateful to the youth services and IYCA, who are hosting events for young people this summer to help change the atmosphere that stops residents and families being able to enjoy the beach area.

"Finally, as a town we are massively indebted to the fantastic work of FOIRP and the excellent work they continue to undertake.”

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ros Brown said:“The Town Council is incredibly grateful for the immense amount of time and effort so many local volunteers give to maintaining the Riverside area for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. However the persistent and distressing damage and misuse of this area, despite recently introduced measures intended to combat this, must be urgently and strategically reviewed by Bradford Council in partnership with all stakeholders. The Town Council continues to be in correspondence with Bradford Council about the serious issues in the area and is glad the new Ilkley Ward Officer met with residents at the weekend to see these challenges at first hand.”

The metal barriers were installed in June to deter 'tombstoning' on the suspension bridge which has been a focal point for anti-social behaviour during hot weather forcing police to issue dispersal orders for the area and close the bridge.

The recent introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the area gives council wardens the power to hand out fines of up to £100 to people who take part 'tombstoning' - jumping from the bridge into the river - as well as to those drinking alcohol and taking drugs, including legal highs.