PLANS for a £500,000 space-aged looking 'Star Wars' bridge spanning two rivers are set to be approved by councillors.

Members of Lancashire County Council's development control committee meet next week to approve plans for a bridge to span the Ribble-Calder confluence near Little Mitton, in the Ribble Valley.

Since the Ribble Way footpath was opened in 1985, groups like the Ramblers' Association have called for a bridge to make that part of the route more accessible.

The new bridge will bring an end for the need to take a mile-and-a-half detour away from the river to Lower Hodder Bridge along the B6246, which is a busy, narrow and winding road.

The bridge crosses the rivers at the site where the Hacking Ferry used to cross until it stopped operating in 1950.

It will have three legs which will take pedestrians from one side of the Ribble to the far side of the Calder, as well as on to the land which begins as the two rivers fork in different directions.

Objections have been received from various organisations, including The Architects Panel, English Heritage, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and two branches of the Council for Protection of Rural England.

Claims by English Heritage and one local parish council that the new design intrudes on the visual impact of Hacking Hall, just 30 metres away, have been rejected by planning officers, who believe the dark grey colours being used on the bridge help it blend into the countryside. The CPRE has called for smaller bridges at various locations along the river, while the Lancashire Wildlife Trust has asked for more consideration to be given to the habitats of local wildlife, including otters.

However, Ribble Valley Borough Council has welcomed the innovative design and improvement to the footpath network, says the report, even though local councillor Harry Backhouse described it as looking like something out of Star Wars.

But the council has asked that work is carried out after breeding season for local species.

Billington and Langho Parish Council has described the project as exciting and attractive, and is 'a happy conjunction of form and function.'

Councillors will be recommended to approve the scheme on Wednesday.

However, several conditions will be attached to approval, including that work must be completed within five years and that the rivers aren't polluted or damaged.