CONFUSION over the closure of a busy bridge in Apperley Bridge for repairs has been cleared up by Bradford Council.

The Milman swing bridge in Apperley Road was closed earlier this week for repairs, causing traffic chaos on the road.

The works are not due to begin until Monday, January 15, causing confusion over why the bridge was shut a week early.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said there had been a mix-up between contractors and the traffic management company.

She said: “Anyone carrying out works that require roads to be closed has to legally apply to the council and give sufficient notice to road users.

"The Canal and River Trust originally applied for the legal closure to be from Monday, January 8, to Friday, February 2, and after reassessment of their requirements they changed this to Monday, January 15, to February 2.

"There appears to have been some confusion between contractors and the traffic management company about when the road needed to be closed.

“We have worked with the Canal and River Trust, contractors and traffic management company to resolve the issue and the road is now open.

"It will be closed on January 15 at 10am, to allow for the morning rush, and if the works all goes to plan it is set to be reopened on February 2.”