Burley has its say on proposals for a bridge over the River Wharfe

The event provided an opportunity to meet with bridge engineers and architects, as well as Burley Bridge Association trustees, and address any queries or concerns before an application to renew planning consent is made.

David Asher, Secretary of the Burley Bridge Association said: "We were very pleased to see so many people attending the event, all but one or two of whom live in the village. If the comments left by those coming represent the balance of opinion about the project locally, then it is reassuring to see that the majority of people remain supportive of the plans and appreciate the design improvements. Concerns that were raised fell broadly into two categories. Firstly there were worries about the visual impact that the introduction of a bridge on a popular destination for walkers from the village would have. Secondly there were fears that a bridge would encourage a greater volume of visitors from outside the village to the riverside area, such as we’ve seen since 2020, bringing with them the risk of more anti-social behaviour including littering. In contrast, comments from supporters of the plans praised the modern design as being well suited to the location, and looked forward to the opportunity of being able to cross the river safely and reliably in order to access the extensive footpath network on the north bank. Some people also reflected that encouraging more local people to cross the river to use the footpath network, could discourage some of the anti-social behaviour which in any case was taking place on private property."

The proposed design on the footbridge seen from the south bank

A poll is currently being undertaken by Burley Parish Council to determine the current level of support for a bridge in the village. A voting form has been inserted in the printed version of the Parish Council newsletter. Forms have to be returned to either the Queens Hall or Burley Community Library by Saturday, December 10. Forms can also be requested by emailing clerk@burleyparishcouncil.co.uk or by downloading a form from the Parish Council website www.burleyparishcouncil.co.uk. There will also be opportunity to comment once the planning application is submitted via the Bradford Council planning portal.

David Asher added: "This is now a once in a lifetime opportunity for a pedestrian bridge to be finally constructed. People in Burley have been campaigning on and off for a bridge for over 120 years, and the simple objective remains exactly the same: to enable the river to be safely crossed throughout the year on a public right of way in order to run and walk and enjoy the nearby countryside. Every other community of size along the Wharfe has this opportunity. It’s about time that Burley finally joins the club."

Visit www.burleybridge.com for more information or contact the group via burleybridge@gmail.com, Facebook @burleybridgeassoc or Twitter @burleybridge.