Dear residents
You will presumably be aware of the proposed work to the Haweswater Aqueduct and its potential impact on West Bradford. Initial details were posted on the Parish Council website in June 2020, and further information on the scheme in general can be accessed via the HARP virtual exhibition:
Residents of Waddington – a village which will be particularly affected by HARP – were invited to a virtual public meeting on Monday 11 January 2021, at which HARP staff gave an update on their current thinking. Similar information has subsequently been provided to the Chair and Vice Chair of West Bradford Parish Council, and a summary of the key points is set out below.
It is proposed that a temporary road will be constructed to ensure that heavy goods vehicles involved in the project do not access West Bradford village. HARP’s preferred route is marked in green on the attached map. It will cross the Ribble at a new “bailey bridge” to be constructed near Bradford Bridge, before heading westwards to join West Bradford Road on the Waddington side of the primary school. (Due to engineering challenges, the temporary road will not continue on the northern side of West Bradford Road as marked in purple on the map). The new road will be 7-8m wide and with a light tarmac or loose stone surface; it could yet be 2 lanes in width, or 1 lane with passing places. Assurances have been given that, where the road meets current footpaths, adequate crossing arrangements or diversions will be in place. The road will be for the use of HARP traffic only and policed accordingly.
Both the road and the new bridge will be removed at the conclusion of the 6 year project and the land returned to its original condition. Land will not be acquired by compulsory purchase, but under statutory powers which allow utility companies to acquire access to land on a temporary basis.
These works will require planning consent from Ribble Valley Borough Council, and the associated consultation exercise will begin around April 2021. The Parish Council will provide further detail on the consultation process once this information becomes available. It is understood that residents will be asked for their views on two options only:
a) the “green route” detailed above; and
b) the original (and more impactful) proposal to bring all heavy traffic from the A59 via Chatburn; along Grindleton Road in West Bradford; and on to Waddington.
If any resident would like a further discussion on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of the Parish Council (Andrew Bristol, 01200 441440) or the Clerk (Andrew Glover, 01200 428547).
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