LOCAL Councillors have welcomed the re-opening of a bridge that shut last October.

On Friday Bradford Council re-opened Buck Mill Bridge Between Baildon and Thackley, shut last year over safety concerns.

The Council had originally said the bridge may not open for six months, as the repair budget was not available.

But after an outcry from residents, the Council announced the bridge would hopefully re-open in January.

Councillors Alun Griffiths and Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) welcomed the reopening of the on schedule. The bridge, which dates back to 1889, is a popular and well used route for walkers, riders and runners, as well as being used to access work, schools and retail.

Footbridge linking Baildon and Thackley is finally repaired

Cllr Griffiths said ”When the bridge was closed residents were told it would not be reopened until the next financial year at the earliest, but after our campaign, which was supported by hundreds of local people and covered in the T and A, the council relented and found the money."

Councillor Sunderland said “It has obviously already had a lot of use despite the conditions, and we are grateful to everyone who helped us make this happen"