Concerns have been raised over the seeming lack of progress on a major infrastructure scheme to link two villages. Plans for a footbridge over the A629 between Steeton and Silsden date back well over a decade, but have been beset by delays.

Last year, it looked like the £13 million footbridge was progressing when a planning application for the major development was submitted by Bradford Council, says the Telegraph & Argus.

It had been suggested the work would start this Summer, but a year after the plans were lodged, no decision on the application has been made, and former Green Party councillors in the area have raised concerns about the pace of the development.

Funding for a business case for long planned scheme was approved by West Yorkshire Combined Authority in 2024.

The planning application was submitted in June 2025, and since then numerous groups have given views on the plans, from the British Horse Society to West Yorkshire Police.

The latest update on the planning application was a note from the Council providing more details on landscape works for the scheme – which was added to the planning portal in April.

The original target was for the application to be decided on by September of last year. Now three former Green Party councillors for Craven Ward have written to West Yorkshire Mayor and Bradford Council leader Stephen Place, demanding “urgent answers” over the delays.

The letter has been written by Janet Russell, Caroline Whitaker and Neil Whitaker, who until May represented Steeton, Silsden and Eastburn on Bradford Council.

Caroline Whitaker said:

“Residents in Steeton and Silsden have been waiting far too long for a safer crossing. We welcomed the funding when it was approved, but welcoming funding means nothing if the project then sits and gathers dust.

“Whatever form the crossing ultimately takes, it is unacceptable that people still cannot cross this road safely.”

Neil Whitaker, who also represented the ward until May, added:

“We have been pushing for this crossing for years. The money is there, the need is clear, and yet Bradford Council and the Labour Mayor are, it seems, expecting residents to continue to wait. That is not good enough. We are calling on the Mayor and the council leader to step in and get this moving.” 

(Picture: Bradford Council)