A footpath situated alongside the river has been shut for a duration of five weeks as construction proceeds at a wastewater treatment facility. Yorkshire Water announced that these enhancements are designed to augment the storm water capacity at the Ilkley plant, thereby decreasing the frequency of overflows into the adjacent River Wharfe. Access to the path will be restricted between the suspension bridge and the stepping stones, exclusively on weekdays, until November 29. Andrew McKinley, who serves as project manager for Yorkshire Water, stated that the undertaking is expected to considerably improve the water quality of the Wharfe, given its official designation as bathing water. This temporary closure is necessary to enable Ward & Burke, the contracted partners, to install columns into the earth, forming a robust foundation for the new storm water storage tanks. Yorkshire Water indicated that these tanks are intended to diminish both the quantity and volume of storm overflow discharges into the river after periods of heavy precipitation. Collected stormwater will be directed back to the treatment works for comprehensive processing once rainfall subsides and inflow levels decrease. Mr McKinley further commented: “We understand the popularity of the footpath and are taking steps to minimise the closure as much as possible. “We’d like to thank Ilkley residents for their patience and understanding while the footpath is closed to keep everyone safe.” For further updates, connect with BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Story submissions can be directed to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding our external linking policy are available. Post navigation Douglas Councillor Deems Manx Government’s Paper Recycling Phase-Out ‘Short-Sighted’