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Residents get first sight of plans to widen Otley bridge
RESIDENTS have been finding out more about a multi-million pound scheme to widen Otley's ancient bridge.
An information day to show people the details of the plan and answer questions was held at Otley Civic Centre on Tuesday and attracted a steady flow of visitors.
Leeds City Council (LCC) wants to widen the bridge, replace the attached footbridge - which was added in 1957 - with a 1.8 metre footway on the bridge itself, and carry out essential waterproofing, strengthening and masonry work.
The project, if approved, would involve building a temporary road bridge across the river for traffic.
The plan has been attacked by some groups, including Otley Conservation Task Force and Conserve Otley Riverside Campaign (CORC).
They are both worried that it could result in more traffic using the bridge. But Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) insists the concerns raised during the consultation period will help shape the final scheme.
He said: "Concern was raised by many at the consultation that widening the carriageway of the bridge would send out the wrong message to HGVs, and as a result I have asked officers to consider revising the plan.
"This would mean retaining the road at the same width, but widening the bridge to accommodate the footpath.
"Whilst the road width is substandard, it is in line with many of Otley's streets."
Coun Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: "We have asked for a further meeting with officers prior to any final decision being made, and would ask that any further comments be submitted within the next week or so. We have also asked that when the revised plans are available a further exhibition is held to let people know what is happening."
Councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) added: "What is important is that whatever work is done to the ancient monument is done sympathetically to the original structure, so that Otley has an ancient monument of which it can be proud."
Visitors to the civic centre were asked to leave their comments on the proposals, which can also be viewed at Otley Library and the Three Horse Shoes pub, on Bridge Street, until May 23.
Written comments can be made up until that date by writing to: Otley Bridge Consultation, Leeds City Council (Bridges Section), Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 4AX; or e-mail otleybridge@leeds.gov.uk.
8:56am Friday 9th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mandy, Otley on 1:01pm Fri 9 May 08
Why do the residents of Otley have to moan about everything? Surely the traffic on the bridge is going to increase over the years whether they strengthen it or not.
Why do the residents of Otley have to moan about everything? Surely the traffic on the bridge is going to increase over the years whether they strengthen it or not.
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