Bradford Council is set to start essential repair work on a collapsed wall on North Bank Road, Cottingley.

The road will be closed to vehicles so that the work, expected to last 16 weeks, can be carried out from Monday, February 10.

Traffic will be diverted via the B6146 Cottingley Moor Road, the B6269 Cottingley Cliffe Road, and Stoney Ridge Road.

A Council spokesman confirmed that a 70-metre section of wall had to be rebuilt from fields next to the road, as some areas had a two-metre drop with no barrier.

Although the work will be completed in sections, the road will remain closed for the duration of the rebuild.

Councillor Michael Ellis (Con, Bingley Rural) said he was “surprised” he had not been notified of the plans, and would be contacting the relevant Council officers.

“A road closure does seem harsh,” he said. “Perhaps traffic lights would have been a better option. This seems like a precaution that will hinder local people and businesses.”

One resident of North Bank Road said: “I’m not sure where the damaged wall is, but if the whole road is closed for that length of time it will cause very heavy traffic in the area. People doing the school run tend to use North Bank Road as a shortcut.”

The Council said resident and pedestrian access will not be affected by the closure, and that businesses will remain open as usual. Warning signs will be put and all diversions will be signposted.

A Council spokesman apologised for any inconvenience caused and said that all residents on North Bank Road would receive a letter outlining details of the rebuilding work.