CHILDREN are putting their lives in danger by using the steep slope at the bottom of the Manchester Road footbridge as a ramp for skateboarding.

Ward councillor Taj Salam (Lab, Little Horton) said it was ‘absolutely imperative’ that a barrier of some sort is erected as soon as possible after seeing the impromptu play area at close quarters at the corner of Roundhill Street and Hutson Street.

Local resident James Cottam said he had seen children playing there regularly and feared there could be a tragedy and had broached the subject with local councillors.

“On Monday I was driving down Roundhill Street and turning left under the bridge onto Roxby Street and saw a child using the bridge bottom as a ramp for his skateboard,” he said.

“Children regularly congregate there. Surely this area should be fenced off as I am sure it looks very attractive to children as a ramp. It is an accident waiting to happen and lives cannot be replaced,” said Mr Cottam.

“It was only a few years ago a young child was sadly taken away from us in a car accident at the top of this street.”

Cllr Salam said he had received an email from Mr Cottam and had immediately contacted officers and portfolio holders at Bradford Council.

“I drive past there a lot and have to say I have never seen a child on a skateboard there but now as I look at it closely I can see why they are attracted to it. I am really shocked at how steep it is. Perhaps someone should have realised when the bridge was being built that this sort of ramp would be used by children.

“It is very steep and drops right down onto a junction. It really is dangerous for any child to play on there.

“I am sure a lot of parents around here are unaware their child may be playing here so by highlighting it they may try and keep them away.

“I’m going to ask the council that some temporary barrier or other method is used as soon as possible to keep children away from this bit to make sure no one gets hurt. It is absolutely imperative this is done quickly. We can then look at some long-term solution.

Cllr Salam also noted Mr Cottam’s complaint that the grassed bank at the side of the bridge was an eyesore.

“The bridge cost £3 million to build and this bit has become a wasteland and is an eyesore,” Mr Cottam said.