WORRYING cracks have appeared in an historic bridge in Kildwick.

Resident Keith Midgley, chairman of Kildwick Parish Meeting, reported two cracks in the parapet of the Grade I listed bridge, built in the early 1300s for the monks of Bolton Abbey as part of their main route across the River Aire to Lancashire.

"I noticed the cracks just before Christmas," said Mr Midgley. "They appeared more recently on the parapets, probably as a result of constant water pressure from the River Aire over the years.

"These cracks don't look as if they're just in the parapet. The worry is they're going right through the stonework."

Mr Midgley said while the cracks appeared before the high floodwaters on Boxing Day, the water that day would have put immense pressure on the old bridge.

Although Mr Midgley understands the county council has "a lot of problems on its hands", such as the collapsed bridge at Tadcaster, he stressed the historic Kildwick Bridge should not be ignored.

He added: "There aren't many Grade I listed buildings, bridges or churches in the country, but we're proud we've got a lot of them in Kildwick."

Mr Midgley reported the cracks to North Yorkshire county councillor Patrick Mulligan, who represents the Airedale ward.

But the local authority has rejected claims they could pose a safety danger.

"I contacted highways and they found the bridge to be safe," said Cllr Mulligan. "They looked at it and determined it wasn't a pressing thing.

"They've got bigger projects, such as the £3 million rebuild of the Tadcaster bridge and the tricky work on the A59 at Kex Gill."

A North Yorkshire Highways spokesman said: "The road was closed on Boxing Day night as reports were received of cracks appearing, which were causing concern.

"At the time, it was pitch black and a true assessment was not possible, so the bridge was closed until a daylight inspection could be made.

"The closure was lifted the following morning as no cracks were evident.

"A follow-up visual inspection was carried out early in the new year following concerns raised by the parish. During this inspection, water levels had dropped and access was possible under the overspill arches. No issues were identified during this visual inspection."