Fresh bid to end 'tombstoning' at Ilkley suspension bridge

The bridge over the River Wharfe has been a focal point of anti-social behaviour during hot weather forcing police to issue dispersal orders for the area and close the bridge.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the riverside area also gives Bradford Council wardens the power to hand out fines of up to £100 to people who take part 'tombstoning' - jumping from the bridge into the river.

Last year a temporary metal barrier was installed on the footbridge in Denton Road, Ilkley, but it was vandalised and failed to deter jumpers. The water can be shallow in dry weather and at least one person was seriously injured last year.

Fencing was installed last summer but was vandalised

Now in a bid to find a permanent solution to the problem Bradford Council officers have submitted an application to the authority's planning department for permission to increase the guardrail height of bridge to 2.4 metres.

Bradford Council appointed Royal Lifesaving Society United Kingdom (RLSS UK) to review and make recommendations prior to the application.

The society's report concluded: "It would be recommended this area be fenced more effectively to prevent ease of access."

It adds: "It would be recommended the bridge be ‘netted’ to prevent ‘jumpers’ accessing the outer rail. Each end of the bridge should also have access denial measures to prevent ‘jumpers from traversing the outer rail from the bank-sides’. This is an ideal location to remind people of the dangers of drinking alcohol and using drugs and the danger of water."

The proposed design of the 2.4m guardrail on Ilkley suspension bridge

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The riverside at Ilkley attracts many visitors, especially in periods of hot weather And while the majority are able to enjoy themselves safely and sensibly, jumping off the suspension footbridge, which can be extremely dangerous, has become a common occurrence. This meant that on occasions we have had to close the footbridge, to prevent this. Closing the footbridge causes significant inconvenience to both local residents and visitors and it also is a drain on Police and Council resources to enforce the closure.

“We asked the Royal Lifesaving Society United Kingdom carry out a review and make recommendations. Their report concludes ‘It would be recommended this area be fenced more effectively to prevent ease of access.’ The design of the new fencing to prevent people from jumping from the bridge is in keeping with the existing design.”

If the application is successful the footbridge would be closed during the parapet extension works.