A CANAL swing bridge in Skipton well used by pedestrians and cyclists is to be replaced at a cost of around £300,000.

In July last year, the Canal and River Trust said the opening mechanism of Gawflat Bridge , which leads into Aireville Park, had been damaged and the bridge would be locked in the ‘open position’ which meant boaters could still use the canal, but pedestrians and cars would have to cross at Brewery Lane.

Following an uproar from residents and councillors, it called on the help of volunteers to keep the bridge fully operating, allowing people to access Craven Leisure and students to get to Craven College and Skipton Academy.

Now, the waterways charity has said the bridge will be replaced, as planned, in May.

The footpath over the bridge will be closed from Monday, May 10 for up to three weeks, when preparation work is due to get underway.

The old bridge will be removed on Sunday, May 16, with the help of a crane, and the new bridge installed on Sunday, May 23. The trust says the work should be completed by May 28, in time for the Spring bank holiday weekend.

Sean McGinley, the trust’s director for Yorkshire and North East, said: “We know this is an important pedestrian route for Skipton so we have tried to minimise the inconvenience as much as possible.

“We will need to close Carleton New Road on the sharp bend for two Sundays, which will allow a crane access to the site.”

He added: “We listened to feedback after first discovering the damage, and were pleased that through the support of our employees and local volunteers, we were able to keep the bridge operating.”

The trust says it has been in direct contact with the local authorities and received authorisation for the temporary road closure.

It has also been liaising with key stakeholders affected by the closure, including the schools and college.

Although Carleton New Road will be closed from the train station end on Sundays May 16 and 23, Engine Shed Lane and Sandylands sport fields will still be accessible via Carleton Road.

The new bridge weighs around 20 tonnes and is constructed of steel. It has been designed to be easier to open by boaters than the current bridge, and it is hoped will last for decades to come.

Mr McGinley added: “As a charity, we rely on volunteers and donations to keep our 2,000 miles of canals open and accessible to all.

“Anyone interested in supporting us can visit our website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.”