RECENT significant developments in the long standing campaign to build a bridge over the River Wharfe in Burley in Wharfedale will be reviewed next week at the annual general meeting of the Burley Bridge Association (BBA).

The meeting, to be held at Burley Library on Tuesday, April 24 starting at 7.30pm, will be considering the strategy for raising the necessary funds for construction and long term maintenance of the planned suspension bridge which will replace the existing right of way across the stepping stones near to Burley Weir.

Campaigners have long argued that the current crossing, which is impassable for many months of the year, is unfit for purpose as a public right of way and is unsafe. Applications to renew planning consent for the bridge are currently being considered by Harrogate and Bradford Councils.

The project is supported by Burley-in-Wharfedale Parish Council, Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust, and Burley and District Chamber of Trade (BADCOT). Members and supporters of the BBA are being urged to attend the meeting, along with anyone else interested in joining the organisation, in order to find out how to contribute to the final phase of the campaign.