WORK to repair a culvert in Bridge Lane, Ilkley damaged in the Boxing Day floods is to take longer than initially scheduled.

The need to safely reroute high voltage electricity cables, a major gas pipe and other access cables and pipes in the area of the work means it will take longer than originally planned.

The work by Bradford Council includes a full reconstruction and strengthening of the culvert which carries the beck under Bridge Lane and repairs to the damaged sewer. It is estimated the works will now take around two months to complete.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, at Bradford Council said: “In order to safely carry out this essential reconstruction work to the culvert we’ve had to include the additional time required to safely divert these major pipes and cables into the overall project.

“We have been working closely with Northern Gas Networks, Northern Powergrid and Yorkshire Water to ensure this re-routing work is carried out as safely and quickly as possible. The major re-routing works are now nearing completion and we’d like to thank the utilities companies for their swift action.

“We would also like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding and we apologise for the inconvenience caused by these essential works.”

There will be a signed diversion route in place and access and services to local properties will be maintained.

Anyone needing information about these works can contact the council on 01274 431000.

Anyone who smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, seven days per week.