17 OCTOBER 2007: A POPULAR bridge over the River
Nidd in Knaresborough is to be repaired following the creation of
an £80,000 fund to reinstate the rotten timbers at Horseshoe
Field Bridge.
The news that Harrogate Borough Council agreed last night
(Wednesday
17 October) to increase its financial support from
£10,000 to £45,000 follows an approach from Andrew
Willoughby, Chair of the Bridge project for Knaresborough Town
Council, seeking this extra funding and the Town Council
subsequently increasing its support from £5,000 to
£25,000.
The remaining £10,000 will come from Yorkshire Forward's
Rural Target Fund.
Although the bridge had remained open to pedestrians following
a structural survey in 2003, it had been closed to
vehicles. This repair work will once again open
the bridge to vehicles although they will be restricted to size and
speed.
Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources, who
supported this bid for further funding, says if the good weather
holds work could start before the end of the year but it does
depend on river levels. "This is a popular route
for people who want to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the River
Nidd as it runs through Knaresborough. It had
originally been hoped that the Army would have been able to help
out with these works, which is why a limited budget had been made
available. However, because of other pressures
on the armed forces, this hadn't materialised and that is why both
the borough and town councils have increased their
contribution.
"There have been ongoing structural problems with the bridge
which means that the best option is a full replacement of all the
timber parts. I am very pleased that we have
been able to create this fund with our partners as we couldn't have
afforded to carry the full cost. We hope that
when the work is complete, residents and visitors will once again
fully enjoy this area of public open
space."
To minimise future wear and tear on the bridge, vehicular
access will be restricted to approved vehicles and a 5 mile an hour
speed limit will be imposed. ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION: Councillor
Andrew Jones is available for comment on 07720
717463. Further technical information is
available from Mr Patrick Kilburn on 01423 556704.