PROTESTS are being made after it was revealed that a bridge over a river might not be repainted for up to 12 years.

British Waterways is being accused of a lack of concern over the Ha'Penny Bridge, off Huddersfield Road in Mirfield.

Parish councillor Chris Oldfield said: "The bridge is an eyesore and an embarrassment.

"People driving through the area can clearly see it on the way into Mirfield. It is a very poor first impression."

The bridge takes Wood Lane over the Calder at Battyeford and, according to some people, has not been repainted for 25 years.

British Waterways official David Crane told a meeting of Mirfield Town Council that giving it an overhaul would cost £23,000, including stripping and galvanising the metalwork.

He said it was not included in scheduled maintenance work over the next three years and it could be up to 12 years before anything was done.

Clr Oldfield said the next step would be to form an action group of councillors and residents.