(Image: UGC)
Access to an old railway bridge has been blocked off after reports of people jumping from the structure.
The bridge, which crosses the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Yorkshire Water’s Esholt treatment works, has been fenced off on both sides for safety reasons.
A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: "We recently upgraded the existing security fencing on either side of the Esholt Ex Railway Bridge to better protect members of the public following recent reports of people climbing onto the structure, and in some cases, jumping off of it."
Resident frustrated at fencing off of walking route
The decision has sparked frustration among residents who say the bridge has long been used by walkers.
Chris, a resident of Thackley, who did not wish to give his surname, said: "The firm has installed a fence and gate over the former railway bridge, which crosses the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, meaning walkers can no longer use it.
"This footpath, used by walkers for decades, has been closed by Yorkshire Water.
"Everybody walks over that bridge. A lot of people use it as a walking route. Local people are really annoyed about this."
'Repair the bridge instead'
Chris has walked the route for years and believes the fencing could have been avoided.
He said: "The amount of money Yorkshire Water used to put up the fencing could have gone towards repairs to make it safe.
"I have heard that people were climbing up on the structure of the bridge.
"Surely, anti-climbing paint would work to preserve the structure for the community.
"They had two metal posts across the bridge before, but you could easily duck under them."
Yorkshire Water: 'Bridge always been closed to public'
Yorkshire Water says the bridge is not a Public Right of Way and has always been closed to the public.
The spokesman said: "We appreciate that this might be frustrating, but the bridge is not a Public Right of Way and has always been closed to the public.
"The footpath under the structure, along the Leeds Liverpool Canal, remains open for the public to use."
Bridge near popular woods
On one side of the bridge is Buck Wood, and on the opposite side is the canal footpath.
Chris said: "Buck Wood is a really nice, lovely woodland and is the whole reason I moved to Thackley.
"It’s a shame. I think Yorkshire Water gets a lot of benefit from this area.
"I have written a letter to Yorkshire Water about this, and at least 25 people have expressed their support."