MORE than two thousand people will be asked to voice their support, objection or indifference to the Burley-in-Wharfedale footbridge scheme.

The village footbridge committee has organised a questionnaire which will be delivered to every household in the village today.

Residents are being asked to fill in the form in time for the next Burley Community Council open forum meeting on March 19.

The questionnaire has been organised on behalf of the Community Council to try and gauge an accurate picture of villagers' feelings.

Committee member John Sparshatt said: "Surveys have been carried out on this project before but the Community Council would like a more up-to-date view."

Only two weeks ago Mr Sparshatt appealed for reaction to the footbridge scheme and he is hopeful the questionnaire will provide the committee with some good news.

He said: "The people I have spoken to since we first revealed the artist's impression of the bridge have been very postive in their comments. This is a beautiful part of the river and there is no question of placing a man-made monstrosity across it."

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. Ramps on either side will give easy access for the disabled.

The weir site is viewed as being the most suitable by Ilkley-based design consultant Ian Whitlam. He said it provides an ideal base for a footbridge, least disruption to private land and provides the best route of avoiding high flood levels and the shortest diversion of the existing right of way.

While pleased with the initial reaction to the scheme, Mr Sparshatt and his colleagues will be hoping for more convincing support at next month's open forum meeting than they received at the corresponding meeting last year.

About 60 per cent of those who attended the forum backed plans to go ahead, but a vocal minority argued a footbridge was not a priority for the millennium. Several felt a footbridge was a 'luxury' when the village schools in particular, were crying out for essentials. Another resident said a footbridge would be a 'slap in the face' for village youngsters.

Despite some opposition, the committee enjoys the support of Chris Leslie MP, The Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Ramblers' Association, among others.

The committee hopes to obtain a significant portion of the £200,000 needed, from the Sports Council.

The planning application for a footbridge across the River Wharfe will be examined by Bradford councillors at a forthcoming meeting.

The footbridge committee is anxious for as many villagers as possible to express their views. Questionnaires can be returned to the village post office, Leesons the newsagent or taken to the Burley Community Council open forum at Burley Middle School on Thursday March 19.

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