Controversial Millennium proposals in Gargrave for a 50 metre-long bridge across the River Aire and a car park and picnic area have been met with a storm of protest.

Around 300 placard-waving residents met on Middle Green at the site of the planned bridge.

They demanded the bridge be banned and called for more to be done instead for the youngsters in the village - it is understood that the youth club in Gargrave has been closed with youngsters having to go to Flasby, approximately one-and-a-half miles away.

Resident Moreen Baines said: "Once permission has been granted for parking for 12 cars there would be nothing to stop them putting another application in for 24 cars. There will also be more litter about."

The cost of the project - rumoured to be in the region of £60,000 to £90,000 - was a major issue with many wondering where the money could come from to pay for it, though it is understood that millennium and lottery grants are to be applied for.

"What the village wants is a library, we certainly don't need two bridges within five minutes of each other," said resident Audrey Allen.

"Grebes and kingfishers occupy the river here as well as herons," added Mrs Allen who felt the ecology in the area would be severely affected by increased visitors to the area.

Chairman of the parish council Jack Maud said fears had been blown out of proportion: "People have got mixed up. At the moment it is just a scheme. Definite plans for a bridge have not been finalised and there are no definite design details.

"All the Council has done is send out a survey to determine people's wishes for the millennium," he said.

A meeting to discuss the proposals has been arranged in the village hall on Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm. People will be able to put questions to members of the parish council as well as the architect.

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