The Government is to pay £5m to repair flood-wrecked Elland Bridge.
They confirmed today (SUNDAY) that the money will be handed out as part of huge efforts to repair the devastation left by the Christmas floods.
A further £500,000 will pay for a temporary footbridge which is being erected in Elland to help people cross the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal.
The historic bridge was wrecked in the floods, with the road surface buckling and breaking under pressure from the floodwaters.
Boats moored on the canal below the bridge were hurled into the structure by the force of the water.
Ministerial Flood Recovery Envoy for Yorkshire Robert Goodwill today (17 January) announced up to £5.5 million of funding to rebuild the bridge and construct a temporary foot bridge nearby, after the historic crossing was damaged in the recent floods.
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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The money is in addition to £3.3m provided by the government to repair Tadcaster Bridge in North Yorkshire and build a temporary footbridge, announced by Mr Goodwill last week.
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.
Flooding at Park Road in Elland
“I am pleased to announce that we are providing a further £5.5m to restore this important crossing and construct the temporary footbridge. This is an important step in keeping the recovery effort on track in Yorkshire and illustrates how the government is standing shoulder to shoulder with the hard-working Elland community as they recover from the floods.”
Leader of Calderdale Council, Clr Tim Swift said: “The Boxing Day floods have had a devastating impact on homes and businesses across Calderdale. I welcome this announcement as it allows us to replace the damaged bridge at Elland given its strategic importance to the local community, for local businesses and for tourism.
Boxing Day Floods in Elland Credit Lee Shaw
“We are continuing discussions with government about further assistance they can provide to enable Calderdale to recover following this event.”
