Footpath to close for work to make river cleaner

The footpath will re-open at weekends, Yorkshire Water said

A riverside footpath has closed for five weeks while work is carried out at a wastewater treatment works.

Yorkshire Water said the upgrades would increase storm water capacity at the Ilkley works, which will in turn reduce overflows into the nearby River Wharfe.

The path will be closed from the suspension bridge to the stepping stones until 29 November, on weekdays only.

Andrew McKinley, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said the work would have a significant impact on the water quality of the Wharfe, as it has designated bathing water status.

The River Wharfe in Ilkley has designated bathing water status, which means the water quality must be monitored

The closure will be in place to allow contract partners Ward & Burke to drive columns into the ground to create a sturdy base for the storm water storage tanks.

Yorkshire Water said the tanks would reduce the number and volume of storm overflow discharges to the river following heavy rainfall.

Stored stormwater would be returned to the works for full treatment once rainfall had passed and incoming flows had reduced.

Mr McKinley added: "We understand the popularity of the footpath and are taking steps to minimise the closure as much as possible.

"We’d like to thank Ilkley residents for their patience and understanding while the footpath is closed to keep everyone safe."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]