Burley-in-Wharfedale's footbridge committee is anxious for villagers to end the mysterious hush surrounding the Leatherbank scheme.

A planning application has been submitted to Bradford Council but committee members want to know the strength of feeling in village.

If the plan is accepted the footbridge will go across the weir close to the stepping stones - ending the village's 'isolation' on one side of the river.

Committee member John Sparshatt said: "I know the footbridge is a subject people do have strong feelings about. However, it does seem to have gone rather quiet.

"I'm surprised the letter-writers haven't got going yet. I hope they do - one way or another."

The bridge will be a three-span structure, following the curved line of the weir with two intermediate piers. It will be wide enough for cyclists to pass and ramps on either side will give easy access for the disabled.

The millennium footbridge scheme has gained momentum in recent months - with a majority of those attending Burley Community Council's open forum giving it the thumbs up.

The committee has prepared its case with the aid of Ilkley-based design consultant Ian Whitlam, of Hutchinson Whitlam Associates.

The committee has examined several potential locations for the footbridge, so why have members chosen the weir site by the stepping stones?

Mr Whitlam said: "All other sites involve extensive footpath creation and long diversions from existing rights of way. The weir and its existing abutments provide an ideal base for a footbridge with least disruption to private land. It would provide the best route of avoiding high flood levels and the shortest diversion of the existing right of way."

The footbridge enthusiasts claim the scheme would not have a detrimental effect on the environment and would cause minimal disruption - as it would largely be constructed off site.

Committee chairman Colin Newton said a footbridge was essential as it was unacceptable to have the stepping stones as the only method of crossing the River Wharfe.

Mike Harris, secretary of Burley Community Council, said: "The Community Council strongly supports the proposals for a footbridge. I understand a planning application has been lodged. If it gains approval I think the committee will have an excellent base to go on and try to obtain the necessary funding."

The footbridge scheme would cost about £200,000 and villagers and local businesses would have to make a considerable contribution if any application for Lottery funding was to be successful.

The voices demanding a footbridge have grown louder and louder with support from Burley-in-Wharfedale MP Chris Leslie, the Ramblers Association, the Sports Council, The Countryside Commission and The Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Mr Sparshatt and his colleagues accept they do not have total support. Some residents fear the bridge will intrude into their privacy, lead to an increase in vandalism and create a car parking 'nuisance.'

In its supporting document to Bradford planners, the committee stresses: "Clearly the views of the whole community must be carefully considered and the committee is keen to promote local debate and discussion.

"However, the committee is of the opnion that the significant benefits ensuing from a safe river crossing will greatly outweigh any minor disadvantages, either real or perceived, produced by the scheme."

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