Swing bridge problems likely

WITHOUT waiting for an official report on Micklethwaite Bridge at Bingley on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, permission has been given for 27 homes to be built close to the bridge.

There is also an application to build up to 440 homes on a 'significant open green area'  on the other side of the bridge. This however has already been refused three times, with the appellant now waiting for a decision from the Planning Inspectorate.

Bridge broke down

This was against residents wishes, who wanted the decision concerning the bridge to be decided first, pointing out the chaos that was caused when the bridge broke down at the time the inspector went to see it as part of a public inquiry.

Members of the council protested against the plans for the homes, pointing out the problems with the swing bridge in the past, and that it could not cope with more traffic.

It is expected that a new fully mechanised bridge will have to be constructed over the canal. The inspector will be compiling his report in preparation for the secretary of state to make his decision in May 2012.