A COUNCIL has considered hiring a specialist helicopter to fly in a missing bridge in an attempt to settle a long-running right of way dispute.

The Skewkirk Bridge over the River Nidd, in North Yorkshire, was demolished in 1969 by the former West Riding County Council, severing a bridleway.

But the site, between Tockwith and Kirk Hammerton, near York, has now become a legal battleground between ramblers, a land-owner and North Yorkshire County Council. Campaigners won a legal fight to force the council to accept the existence of a bridleway over the river and the authority eventually agreed to provide a new bridge.

But the 36 metre-long structure has been languishing in a depot near Selby for four years because a local landowner does not want the bridge and will not let the council onto his land to install it.

The authority had considered hiring a specialist Italian helicopter, but has had to rule it out because of the "astronomical" cost involved.

It is now considering three further options: Further negotiation with the landowner, a court declaration under the Highways Act, or a compulsory purchase order to buy the rights to go on the land and install the bridge.

Council solicitor David Walker said: "The owner on the other side of the river said we could use his land, but for geographical reasons the crane needed to lift the bridge would sink.

"The helicopter idea was considered, but it would cost a fortune."

Last night ramblers and villagers gathered for their sixth protest rally since 1988, from Tockwith Church to the site of the missing bridge.

Ramblers' Association spokesman Keith Wadd wants the council to use the compulsory purchase option. "It is long overdue," he said.

The landowner was unavailable for comment last night.