A POPULAR bridge over the River Nidd in Knaresborough is to be repaired following the creation of an £80,000 fund to reinstate its rotten timbers.

Harrogate Borough Council has agreed to increase its financial support for the Horseshoe Field Bridge from £10,000 to £45,000 - the Town Council subsequently increased its support from £5,000 to £25,000.

residents and visitors will once again fully enjoy this area of public open space

Andrew Jones - Harrogate Borough Council

The remaining £10,000 will come from Yorkshire Forward's Rural Target Fund.

Although the bridge had remained open to pedestrians following a structural survey in 2003, it had been closed to vehicles. This repair work will once again open the bridge to vehicles although they will be restricted to size and speed.

Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources, who supported the bid for further funding, says if the good weather holds work could start before the end of the year but it does depend on river levels. "This is a popular route for people who want to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the River Nidd as it runs through Knaresborough. It had originally been hoped that the Army would have been able to help out with these works, which is why a limited budget had been made available. However, because of other pressures on the armed forces, this hadn't materialised and that is why both the borough and town councils have increased their contribution.

"There have been ongoing structural problems with the bridge which means that the best option is a full replacement of all the timber parts. I am very pleased that we have been able to create this fund with our partners as we couldn't have afforded to carry the full cost. We hope that when the work is complete, residents and visitors will once again fully enjoy this area of public open space."

To minimise future wear and tear on the bridge, vehicular access will be restricted to approved vehicles and a 5 mile an hour speed limit will be imposed.