WORK will be carried out on Otley's main footbridge next week.

The path that runs alongside Otley Bridge will be painted with anti-slip coating as part of a set of works that are to be carried out over the next couple of years.

The coating will be applied over two nights, when the footpath will be closed from 7pm, on the week starting Monday, March 20.

Temporary traffic lights will be in operation during the work to allow pedestrians to use part of the main bridge.to cross.

An inspection of the bridge itself, meanwhile, is to be carried out by engineers over the next 12 months in preparation for strengthening works that will be carried out in 2019.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "I’m pleased to see that Otley Bridge and its associated footbridge are getting the work they need to remain strong, especially given how high the waters ran during 2015’s Boxing Day floods.

"We’ll continue to push to keep this scheme as a priority for residents."

Cllr Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: “We’ve also had confirmation that the pedestrian parapet is to be repainted, and minor pointing and cleaning works are to be carried out as part of the main scheme in a couple of years."

Fellow Lib Dem ward Councillor Colin Campbell also welcomed the news, and is advising residents to take the works into account when planning their journeys next week.