ANGRY ramblers staged a demonstration in a North Yorkshire village to protest about a missing bridge.

The Ramblers' Association joined locals to insist that North Yorkshire County Council should replace Skewkirk Bridge, which crossed the River Nidd between Tockwith and Kirk Hammerton until it was demolished in 1969. About 50 walkers and villagers took part in a rally last night to raise awareness of their campaign.

They walked one mile from Tockwith Parish Church to the river. It was the sixth rally that has been held by the protesters, who believe the bridge is an important link between Tockwith and Kirk Hammerton.

A replacement bridge has been gathering dust in the county council's Selby depot for several years but due to legal negotiations over land ownership and access it has not yet been installed.

The Ramblers' Association, along with Ainsty Conservation Society and Tockwith Parish Council, is now demanding the county council take out a compulsory purchase order for land on both sides of the river to enable construction work to begin.

They are keen for the bridge to be replaced, not only to restore a direct link between the two villages, but to improve recreational walks in the area. Keith Wadd, of the Ramblers Association, said: It is ludicrous that the River Nidd cannot be crossed at Skewkirk. There has been a bridge over the river there for centuries.

"It is time that North Yorkshire County Council stopped making excuses and used its full powers including compulsory purchase to replace the bridge without further delay. We are not intending to let the issue go away."

County Councillor John Savage said: "I am determined, as the local county councillor, that the bridge will be erected. It will connect the footpath from Boroughbridge to Sherburn-in-Elmet, which at the moment is broken by the river.

"The sooner the bridge is up, the better."

Tockwith resident Hilda Muir said: "People are using the countryside more now. In North Yorkshire there are areas that are inundated with walkers.

"It would take the pressure off these areas if our area was opened up for ramblers."

Alan and Stella Craven, who live in Green Hammerton, said they had to make a lengthy car journey to reach the neighbouring village of Tockwith whereas if the bridge was replaced they could cycle or walk there.

David Walker, solicitor for North Yorkshire County Council, said the council's powers under the Highways Act and the use of compulsory purchase orders was currently being investigated and he hoped to have the issue resolved as soon as possible.

Mr Walker said: "Those (legal powers) are our two main options at the moment but we are currently looking at what evidence there is to support our case.

"As far as we are concerned it is a public right of way. Re-instating the bridge is now a priority for us."

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, June 25, 2003