TROUBLED waters have hit a

campaign to build a footbridge in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Burley Bridge Association is campaigning to build a footbridge at the weir at Greenholme Farm.

The group says the existing right of way across the river, the Stepping Stones, has become unusable, as they are submerged for the majority of the year.

The association is seeking to

connect the village to such beauty spots as Askwith and Nidderdale.

Planning permission has been granted to the group for a footbridge at the site, by Harrogate Borough Council.

But stumbling blocks over rights of way mean that the bridge may never get off the ground.

North County Council is eager to create footpaths at the site but landowners, and those who manage their interests, are opposed to the scheme.

A spokesman for the council said: "We have been pushing for some time, with a number of different bodies, including Bradford Metropolitan Council. To see the bridge built a lot of other issues will have to be resolved.

"We are trying to resolve them as we realise it would be of benefit to pedestrians and walkers.

"The council supports the idea of a bridge in principle. For the bridge to be built footpaths will have to be diverted. We are in negotiations to see if this can happen."

The Council for the Protection of Rural England are also opposed to the bridge as they fear it will place too much pressure on landowners.

They also argue that it will have an adverse visual impact, increase disturbance for residents and car-parking.

Members of the association vowed not to give up without a fight - as they say people are being denied access to glorious walking country.

John Sparshatt, treasurer of the group, said: "The scheme is being systematically thwarted by the implacable opposition of the local landowners.

"The association is making a formal application to the county council for the footpaths to be created.

"If this is refused the association will ask the Secretary of State for a review of the application."

In another blow to the association Burley Community Council failed to pour oil on the troubled waters.

The council has refused to sanction the association's choice of setting for the bridge.

John Gundry, vice-chairman of the community council, said: "We support a bridge but not that particular one in that particular place."

The council resolved to write to Burley Bridge Association to inform them of their decision.

Mr Sparshatt said he was disappointed to hear the council's stance on the issue.

He said: "I am extremely disappointed. We are looking for the support of the community council and to work together.

"We have been campaigning for four and a half years and the campaign will continue."

Mr Sparshatt said the association had carried out years of research and determined that the weir was the best spot for the footbridge.

Mr Sparshatt said: "It uses an existing structure, it fits in the landscape quite nicely and the cost at that point will be much less than any other point.

"The existing right of way is obstructed for most of the year as the stepping stones are immersed by the river.

"There are two big walking areas on the other side both to the north and south of Burley.

"It is super on the other side. It is important that we connect them."

The association is now applying for charity status, in a bid to gain lottery funding.