DRIVERS are reporting "traffic chaos" around Apperley Bridge and Greengates due to the closure of a swing bridge - even though roadworks will not now start until next week.

Work to repair the Milman swing bridge at Apperley Bridge - which also forms a bridge over the canal in Apperley Road - was due to have started yesterday but was pushed back to make the work shorter.

Now it will start next Monday and finish on Friday, February 2.

But the agency carrying out the repairs says Bradford Council was unable to alter the road closure times to reflect the new, shorter repairs.

A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust, which is carrying out the works, said: “In an effort to help minimise disruption to the public, we have managed to condense works into a shorter timeframe, moving from an initial start date of January 8 to January 15. The road closure is managed by the council, who put in place local signage nearly two weeks ago to provide the public with notice of the impending road closure.”

The spokesperson said the council was asked to alter the road closure to reflect the new start date, but it was not possible due to limited resources.

Bradford Council have been approached for comment.