COUNCIL bosses have identified bridges, footpaths and retaining walls in the Wharfedale area that will be repaired thanks to a £2.5 million Government handout.

A road bridge at Burley-in-Wharfedale and footbridges in Esholt and Addingham will be among the structures undergoing works following the Boxing Day floods.

Two weeks ago, the Government revealed how much money it was giving to flood-hit authorities to allow them to repair their highways.

Council bosses in Bradford say its £2.5 million settlement should cover all the necessary works after carrying out structural safety inspections and assessments on bridges, roads, retaining walls, landslips and culverts across the district.

Any bridges that were closed have since reopened.

Repairs will take place locally at Robin Hole Bridge, Burley-in-Wharfedale; footbridges including Esholt Suspension Bridge and at Bolton Road in Addingham; retaining walls on the A6034 Keighley Road in Silsden, Bradley Road in Silsden, Denton Road in Ilkley and on Ilkley Moor, between Robin Hole and the Cow and Calf rocks.

Councillor Val Slater, deputy leader at Labour-run Bradford Council and executive member for planning, transportation and highways, said they were "satisfied" with the Government settlement and repairs work will be undertaken as soon as possible.

She added: "Ideally, we would like to get on with it as soon as possible.

"It is about making things safe and it is about where structures have been closed, opening them up as soon as possible for the convenience of local people."

Separate funding to bolster flood defences and try to prevent similar devastation in future has yet to be finalised. It will be allocated through the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

Cllr Mike Ellis (Con, Bingley Rural), Bradford Council's representative on this committee, said: "I welcome the highways money.

"It is in addition to any flood defence grant in aid that we might secure for any flood defences, so it is extremely welcome."

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.