Burley-in-Wharfedale's new footbridge association has secured an important ally but faces a tough test of support next month.

The Burley Bridge Association replaced the village footbridge committee which, after a long campaign, obtained planning permission for a footbridge over the River Wharfe, from both Harrogate and Bradford district authorities.

Burley Community Council addressed the footbridge issue at its May meeting. Secretary Mike Harris said: "The formation of an

association is a constructive move on the part of those campaigning for a footbridge across the River Wharfe."

Mr Harris said the community council committee had decided to offer its support to the footbridge association but that did not mean the scheme automatically had the backing of the whole village.

"I know there are people who support the idea of a bridge but, equally, residents of Leatherbank are very much against it," he said.

The community council believes as many villagers as possible should have a say in whether the scheme should be given official 'blessing.' A motion of support will be put forward at next month's community council annual general meeting/Neighbourhood Forum.

The footbridge association was launched last month, when Colin Newton, chairman of the former footbridge committee, made a plea for new members.

"The footbridge is a marvellous project for the Millennium, and will enable residents of Burley and visitors from West Yorkshire to walk the attractive paths at the other side of the river, and also provide a direct route on foot to the beautiful Washburn Valley," he said.

"We wouldn't have got as far as we have if we hadn't had support. We have done a few surveys and the majority of people have responded," he said.

"We are at the stage now where permission has been given from both authorities and we are now going further.

"This will enable us to go further to look for funding as an association, and, for example, apply to the sports council and for Millennium funding."

And becoming an association will open the gates for raising funds, which currently stand around the £3,000 mark, with an estimated cost of £250,000.

Mr Newton said: "We have a long way to go in terms of raising money, but this is another

reason why we have become an association."

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