THE IRON bridge at Ben Rhydding has been closed because of safety concerns over high river levels and damage to an electricity cable over the weekend.

Parts of Ilkley and Otley were among some of the worst affected by the weather in the Bradford district, with flooded streets and road closures.

Problems were caused by a combination of rivers bursting banks in some places and water running off hillsides.

The A65 Ilkley Road, the A660 at Burley-in-Wharfedale and the A659 Pool Road in Otley were all closed for a time due to flooding.

The iron bridge connects the A65 with Denton Road, which was also affected by flooding and where police were sent to help residents.

In Ilkley on Sunday flood water could be seen cascading down streets including Wells Walk.

The riverside at Otley was also under water which spread to houses in Farnley Lane and submerged the playpark.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "The bridge was closed for safety reasons due to the very high river levels and damage to a electricity cable on the bridge. We are waiting for the river levels to recede further to allow a bridge inspection to take place to see if there has been damage to the bridge and for Northern Powergrid to be able to inspect and repair the electricity cable."