Government Minister Robert Goodwill saw at first hand the damage the Boxing Day floods wreaked on parts of Calderdale.

The Ministerial Flood Recovery Envoy for Yorkshire was at Elland Bridge to confirm up to £5.5 million of funding to rebuild the bridge and construct a temporary footbridge nearby, after the historic crossing was damaged in the recent floods.

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The bridge road surface began buckling and breaking under pressure from the floodwaters, and boats moored on the canal below the bridge were hurled into the structure by the force of the water.

Mr Goodwill said the new funding will enable Calderdale Council to rebuild the listed bridge following structural assessments that have been undertaken by specialist engineers, and construct a temporary crossing needed to reconnect the local community.

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He said: “We are determined to help the hardworking families and businesses of Yorkshire get back on their feet as soon as possible after these devastating floods.

“A good local transport system is the lifeblood of the region, and key to a thriving economy.”

A new temporary pedestrian footbridge was put in place over the Calder and Hebble Navigation waterway on Sunday.

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The 30m-long bridge is 1.5m wide and will be accessible for people with buggies, wheelchairs and bikes.

Engineering work will continue on it for the next few days before it opens towards the end of the week.