TRADERS in Milnsbridge left high and dry by bridge strengthening works fear heavy rain could prolong their agony.
Scaffolding erected to allow the repair work to go ahead has been washed away by the swollen River Colne.
On Monday night, as heavy rain lashed Huddersfield, the levels of the River Colne rose quickly.
The growing power of the water caused scaffolding under the bridge to collapse.
Yesterday there was a tangle of scaffolding poles and huge timber boards in the churning waters of the river below the bridge.
More heavy rain was also adding to the problems.
Work to repair the 120-year-old bridge has been beset by problems as road closures and temporary traffic lights caused lengthy delays for motorists.
Drivers have been advised to take a three-mile detour around Paddock and Longroyd Bridge.
Traders have also told how their takings have been decimated.
Mel Morrell, who runs Jill’s Cafe in Market Street, told the Examiner how he believed the scaffolding collapsed at about 7.30pm.
“The scaffolding was planted in the river and we have seen river levels rise before like this.
“We warned them on several occasions but now the force of the water has washed a big chunk of the scaffolding away. The thing is the river is not as high as it often gets.”
Mr Morrell, 55, said traders feared more delays and added: “Looking at what’s happened it seems like it will take some time to repair the scaffolding and that will probably mean the job will take longer to complete. It’s a nightmare.”
After public complaints, Kirklees Council pumped an extra £30,000 into the project to cover overtime and weekend working.
A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “Although work using the platform under the bridge has been suspended for the time being because of the current flood levels, it means that the workmen will be doing other tasks on the bridge.
“Any movement of the platform will be assessed when the water level has gone down. The project remains on-programme and the current weather is not expected to cause delays.”
