Let there be light on Otley Bridge

9.32.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 23rd Oct 2006

Lib Dem Councillors Colin Campbell, Ryk Downes and Graham Kirkland are saying they have waited long enough for the light on Otley Bridge to be replaced. The lamp, which has been a feature of the bridge for as long as anyone can remember, developed a fault a couple of years ago which meant the power supply had to be replaced.

Because the bridge is a listed building, English Heritage did not want a new cable fixed to the structure. This left an expensive alternative of either hanging a cable from the footway or erecting two large lamp posts, some 20-25 metres high, at either end of the bridge.

In the meantime the lamp became dangerous and had to be replaced. Councillor Colin Campbell has spoken of his frustration that red tape is holding up the repair of a lighting facility that is essential for public safety.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said, "We think the delay is ridiculous and we are calling for the lamp to be replaced as part of the current programme of upgrading street lighting in Otley. If we cannot fix a cable on the old stone part of the bridge then we can screw one on the newer concrete walkway."