SKIPTON residents have won their battle to see more safety measures introduced on the town's Brewery Lane swing bridge.

The Brook Street and Bridge Street campaigners protested to North Yorkshire Highways department and British Waterways that they took their lives in their hands every time they used the bridge.

Sheila Clark, on behalf of the protesters, said that the two main problems were that motorists often squeezed past pedestrians on the narrow bridge over the canal, forcing them up against the railings.

The second problem was that the bridge tilted when cars passed over it, making it difficult for pedestrians to keep their balance.

She feared without action it was only a matter of time before someone fell into the canal, suffering permanent or serious injuries.

The campaigners asked British Waterways to provide a separate footbridge but were turned down because the estimated cost of the work was £360,000.

However as a result of the campaign, pedestrians have now won priority over the motorists who use the bridge.

Lynne Hamilton, from British Waterways, said: "We have consulted in depth with North Yorkshire County Council, and although both authorities would wish to take the opportunity to provide pedestrian foot way facilities at the bridge, public finance is not available at this time.

"Unfortunately it is not possible to simply add a footway to the existing structure. A completely new bridge would be required as well as work to the bridge abutments, more than doubling the cost of the scheme.

"However, as part of the works, North Yorkshire County Council will be installing suitable road signing giving pedestrians priority over the bridge."

Margaret Irving, who lives in Bright Street, said: "We have achieved most of what we asked for. I'm delighted."

Work starts on January 8 for 12 weeks, during which the road will be closed. The work includes repairing and painting the existing bridge, and installing a road barrier, flashing light and warning signal, similar to those on level crossings.

A hydraulic wedge system is also to be introduced to improve the rocking action of the bridge, eliminating movement and reducing noise.

The canal is to be drained and some work to the canal walls undertaken.