Ilkley'S carnival procession will not face the embarrassing prospect of grinding to a halt on May 1.

Committee members have expressed slight concern at the on-going work on the New Brook Street bridge.

Brian Bailey, one of the committee members, said the nightmare vision was of floats reaching the bridge and being unable to reach the other side.

This could then cause a large build up of traffic in both directions. Mr Bailey said: "I think we were a bit worried that some of the bigger wagons in the procession might also be a bit wide for the gap."

However, Bradford Council highways officials have moved swiftly to make sure the carnival parade will not be disrupted on May 1.

A spokesman said: "We have discussed our plans for May Day with the clerk of Ilkley Parish Council and a representative of the carnival committee.

"The temporary traffic lights will be removed from the bridge on New Brook Street allowing two way traffic. Both footpaths will also be open for pedestrians," he said.

Work on the bridge is expected to finish in June.

The carnival committee is turning its attention to selling as many entry tickets/programmes as possible before the big day.

This year the programmes have been designed to also serve as an entry ticket.

On the day, tickets will be £2 (adults) £1 (children and senior citizens). However, committee members want to avoid a rush at the gates on the day itself.

As an incentive to carnival-goers, ticket prices will be £1.50 (adults) and 75p (children and senior citizens) if bought in advance.

Tickets/programmes will be available throughout April at the following locations:

Ilkley - Ilkley News in Brook Street; Skipton Building Society, The Grove; Booths Supermarket, Leeds Road; Condotti Restaurant, Station Plaza; Just a Sec, back of Brook Street; Northern Counties Insurance, Moors Centre and the Ilkley Tourist Information Centre, Station Road.

Burley-in-Wharfedale - The Corner Shop, Main Street.

Each ticket/programme is numbered and a prize draw will take place at the end of June. Prizes on offer include a food hamper from Booths and a £50 voucher for a meal at Condotti.

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