50 signatures reached
To: Leeds City Council Director of Highways
If Otley residents back off-peak bridge lane closure, some of the savings be a community grant
We propose an option that may be a win : win for everyone, concerning the need for a replacement footbridge over the River Wharfe in Otley.
We understand the temporary footbridge is to cost circa £2m. The need for the bridge arises from concerns of residents and businesses regarding congestion.
If the bridge lane was only closed during non-working hours and community agreed to temporary rerouting of small vehicles at max speed 15mph along Mill Lane and/or Manor Road at those hours the temporary footbridge would not be needed. At an estimated cost of £2m, some of the savings could be diverted to additional night crew to reduce the duration of the disruption and some to the Otley Town Council annual budget to support community projects.
We understand the temporary footbridge is to cost circa £2m. The need for the bridge arises from concerns of residents and businesses regarding congestion.
If the bridge lane was only closed during non-working hours and community agreed to temporary rerouting of small vehicles at max speed 15mph along Mill Lane and/or Manor Road at those hours the temporary footbridge would not be needed. At an estimated cost of £2m, some of the savings could be diverted to additional night crew to reduce the duration of the disruption and some to the Otley Town Council annual budget to support community projects.
Why is this important?
Averting the need for the temporary footbridge across the river would prevent the destruction of a 180 year old oak tree and a tulip tree in a conservation area.
Oak trees began their decline in the UK durung the Roman era, Queen Elizabeth placed a moratorium on felling oaks after decimation of the species by the Navy. Oaks declines in the UK threaten the survival of 2300 other species (Mitchell RJ et al (2019) “collapsing foundations: the ecology of the British oak, implications of its decline and mitigation options.” Biological Conservation 233: 316-327
Oak trees began their decline in the UK durung the Roman era, Queen Elizabeth placed a moratorium on felling oaks after decimation of the species by the Navy. Oaks declines in the UK threaten the survival of 2300 other species (Mitchell RJ et al (2019) “collapsing foundations: the ecology of the British oak, implications of its decline and mitigation options.” Biological Conservation 233: 316-327
