KEIGHLEY town councillors have demanded action to repair a damaged canal towpath in Riddlesden.

Councillors Andrea Walker and Ron Beale believe the collapsed 10-metre length near Bar Lane bridge poses a danger to walkers and cyclists.

Cllr Walker claims she first complained about damage to the stone section five years ago, but no remedial work was carried out.

She added there had been further erosion since then, and the entire length is currently fenced off while awaiting repair.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Cllr Walker, who lives in Bar Lane and represents Riddlesden and Stockbridge ward on the town council.

She said: “The canal bank is deteriorating – a lot of people have been complaining about it.

“We’ve been trying to get it sorted with the waterways people. It’s dangerous and nothing has been done. One day someone is going to walk or cycle along the towpath and it will collapse.”

Cllr Ron Beale, who also represents Riddlesden and Stockbridge ward, said the canal bank had eroded further since the first stones fell in the water.

He added: “Where you pass the old warehouses, there’s a chunk out of the bank. It’s like someone has had a bite out of it!”

The Canal and Rivers Trust, which oversees the UK’s canals, said it could not afford to repair the towpath immediately.

But it promised the situation will be monitored every month to check for further damage.

The Canal and River Trust took over responsibility for the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in 2012 following the scrapping of British Waterways.

A spokesman said the trust was working with “very finite” resources and had limited funds.

He added: “All required works are placed in priority order, with health and safety-related issues our paramount concern.

“Sadly, there are many areas in greater need of our resources at this time, which means we are not always able to complete other works as quickly as we would like to.

“Notwithstanding the above, our asset teams complete monthly inspections and note any deterioration and required works accordingly. These notifications are prioritised on our system and addressed in line with other works.

“Our teams will continue to monitor the site on a monthly basis, and should they note anything of particular concern or significant deterioration, this will be noted and action will be taken accordingly.”

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