MONEY has been earmarked to build a bridge across the Leeds and Liverpool canal in Skipton to enable a potential 300 homes to be built.

Craven District Council has been awarded £850,000 of Local Growth Fund cash by West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s investment committee.

The bridge will reach the site at Horse Close, Skipton, where there is potential to construct 300 homes and develop businesses. Current access, off Keighley Road, which can become congested, is by a narrow hump-backed bridge. The money is part of a £14 million funding package for new housing and regeneration sites in Leeds City Region.

Cllr Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council, said: “This funding gives the council the opportunity to facilitate the construction of a new bridge at Horse Close. A new bridge would improve access for existing homes as well as providing necessary infrastructure.” for the potential development of a large housing site in Skipton.”