COUNCIL workmen should not be able to raise parapets and do other 'unnecessary' work to an historic bridge across the River Wharfe in Ilkley without consulting the public, says a ward councillor.

Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley) is preparing to get a petition together in a last-gasp attempt to halt the planned work on Ilkley Old Bridge, due to start next month.

He said residents had raised "extreme concerns" about the project.

Bradford Council's highway structures unit recently told townspeople it wants to carry out a full refurbishment of the bridge, involving jetwashing the arch face, vegetation clearing, raking out and repointing mortar joints, waterproofing and resurfacing the deck.

The council also claims the height of the bridge's parapets are "inadequate", and will be investigated with a view to possibly raising them.

But townspeople and heritage lovers have protested, pointing out no accidents have been noted on the bridge. Now closed to traffic, the old bridge, which dates back to the 16th Century, was once the main crossing point over the River Wharfe in Ilkley.

Cllr Smith says work should not take place until the community has been properly consulted.

"I would like to know where this came from and why," he said.

"The community has no knowledge of anyone – especially those living 70-80 years in town – falling off the bridge. Provision of a notice saying 'careful low parapets – use at your risk' would suffice. This is a national historic treasure of Ilkley and must not be abused by some weird proposal such as is proposed."

He argues the planned work is an unnecessary expense, being paid for with public funds.

Members of the public have contacted the Ilkley Gazette in recent weeks, since the proposals for the work came to light, and people have also being lobbying Cllr Smith, asking him to step in to the row.

He plans to set up a petition in the next few days. This will be available at Ilkley Visitor Information Centre for people to sign.

The council says the work is proposed to begin later in September or early October, and could last for about eight to ten weeks.

Members of the public were notified pedestrian access over the footbridge – which stands close to the celebrated Dales Way – will be affected, and the bridge could be closed to walkers during some operations.

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