MORE detailed images of a proposed pedestrian bridge across the River Wharfe have been revealed.

Currently the only way for walkers to criss the River at Burley in Wharfedale is to use a series of stepping stones.

For decades there have been calls for a bridge over the river as the stones - a public right of way - can be impassible in bad weather.

The nearest bridges are in Otley or Ben Rhydding.

The Burley Bridge Association is a local group devoted to lobbying for the bridge - as well as raising money to pay for the structure.

In 2018 a planning application for a new bridge over the river, in the Leather Bank area, was approved by Bradford Council. A condition of the application was that more detailed plans for the bridge be provided before the structure is built.

And this week Burley Bridge Association revealed more details, including the bridge’s design, as part of a reserved matters application to the Council.

The plans say the bridge will be made out of Corten steel, and is to be constructed directly above the stepping-stones - linking it to the public right of way. There will also be trees planted either side of the bridge.

Support for £5.5m bridge that will help boost walking and cycling between Steeton and Silsden

Proposals to build a bridge have not been unanimously supported in the past. The last application heard by Bradford Council attracted 56 letters of support and 56 objections, with objectors claiming the bridge would be an “eyesore” that could bring anti social behaviour to the area.

The new application, which includes artists’ impressions of the bridge, explains the need for it.

It says: “There are currently no other viable river crossing opportunities in Burley-In-Wharfedale.

“The nearest road bridges are at Ben Rhydding and Otley. These are 2.5miles and 3miles away respectively from the proposed location.

“Excessive rainfall, rising river levels, and isolated weather incidents have all contributed to the crossing becoming either completely impassable, or impassable without the need for wading.

“The unpredictable characteristics of the river have resulted in a number of fatalities where crossing attempts have been made by wading through the water or jumping across narrow sections of riverbanks.”

“Alternative locations have previously been considered however these were not viable because of opposition by landowners and the need to create additional footpaths to link into the current right of way.

“A reliable, safe and weather-proof crossing will be of benefit to the entire local community who regularly use the stepping-stones to access walking routes, and to those who travel into the area to enjoy all that the Yorkshire Dales National Park and area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have to offer.”

A decision on the application is expected late next month.