Work starts to stop Skipton tin bridge yobs

From the archive, first published Tuesday 9th Jan 2007.

WORK has started to thwart anti-social behaviour on Skipton's "tin bridge".

Residents living near the bridge over the canal linking Sackville Street and Lower Union Street have been bothered by gangs of young people who hang around the walkway and the alcoves underneath.

Problems include damage to property and cars, loud and abusive language and underage drinking.

Councillors, police representatives and the Safer Craven Community Partnership united to form a problem solving group.

They looked at tackling the problem and even considered whether to dismantle the bridge.

Now students from the construction course at Craven College have begun work to block up the openings under the bridge to stop groups congregating there.

Several local businesses have given their support.

Demolition Ltd, which has been demolishing part of Belle Vue Mill prior to its redevelopment, has supplied the stone, Merritt and Fryers has donated the sand, Naylor Myers has given concrete blocks and SHC sales and hire centre has provided security fencing and a cement mixer.

Coun Polly English said: "I am delighted that, thanks to good partnership working, the alcoves on the tin bridge are now being blocked up.

"I am sure this will make life a lot more peaceful leading to greater safety and less disturbance to residents.

"I am looking forward to trying to raise funds to further improve the structure and appearance of the bridge for the benefit of all."

Sergeant Kevin Wilson from the Safer Craven Community Partnership said: "This is an excellent practical example of how the local community can get together to solve a problem.

"We are extremely grateful to all those people and companies who have given their support.

"All in all, the partnership has had to buy the cement only to solve a problem that has plagued local residents for a number of years."