WORK to repair a bridge over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Hapton will take place this year, British Waterways has pledged.

Burnley and Padiham MP Gordon Birtwistle welcomed the news, but criticised delays experienced by residents in the Hapton Road area.

He first demanded action from British Waterways on August 24, and has continued to press them ever since.

The bridge was damaged almost a year ago by a road accident.

Mr Birtwistle said: “The fiasco over the Hapton Road bridge has been an utter disgrace which has seen different bodies squabbling over who should pay, whilst residents and motorists have been stuck with a dangerous bridge with safety equipment installed which was not fit for purpose.

“I am pleased that British Waterways have now agreed to actively undertake work to repair the bridge alongside their efforts to recoup the cost from the offending driver who caused the damage, instead of further endangering innocent lives by continuing to delay action.”

British Waterways are now trying to quarry the correct stone for the bridge to maintain the heritage of the village.

They expect the repair work to begin in the next eight weeks.