CAMPAIGNERS trying to get a footbridge across the River Wharfe at Burley-in-Wharfedale are celebrating their sixth anniversary.

The bridge, which it is hoped will be built at Leather Bank, at the site of the stepping stones, will open the area up to walkers wanting to cross from Burley to Askwith and beyond.

And it has now won the support of Otley town councillors. They said the bridge would be popular with walkers and could do a lot to encourage more people into the area.

It is estimated that the bridge, which has planning permission from Bradford and Harrogate councils, will cost in the region of £250,000.

Peter Young, a member of The Burley Bridge Association, said the campaign had reached a critical stage.

"We have had a frustrating time during the past year largely due to the intransigence of the landowners.

"We have, however, been encouraged by remarks made by members of North Yorkshire County Council to the effect that the most likely way forward is for us to persuade the local authorities to sponsor the

project with the BBA being the fund raising body."

Mr Young said county council officers were now in the process of putting forward a report to the council's rights of way committee.

"I feel the case for a footpath is overwhelming," he said. "The stepping stones at Leather Bank are under water most of the time and the right of way is now obstructed.

"The public is being ill served by the present situation, I have been helping the campaign since it began in 1996 and I know there is widespread support locally for a bridge."

Mr Young added that the bridge could feature as part of a circular walk to Otley.

"Apart from a wide range of local walks that will become possible, its position will lend itself to the creation of long distance walking routes which will help tourism in the Otley area."