The former Bridges Bar in Sowerby Bridge is located at a prominent location in the town, nestled into one of the railway arches at a gateway to the town centre. it overlooks the River Calder on one side ; a popular spot for canoeists and the view from several waterfront establishments. It is parked neatly in a conservation area, amongst Victorian shops and dwellings and adjacent to County Bridge.
It has been empty for over four years and following the Boxing Day Floods of 2015, it is uncertain whether it is structurally sound or not. Enquiries made by a business owner into renting or purchasing the premises suggest that it is "condemned" and not likely to be able to be repaired or used again. There are no signs on the window that suggest this
nor do there appear to be any plans for demolition.
It is currently sitting unoccupied, falling apart, slowly decaying. It is a target for graffiti and fly posters and rubbish frequently gets dumped on its forecourt. It makes our town look unloved and uncared for, It is potentially hazardous and yet no signage indicates this.
The property is owned by Network Rail. We the undersigned demand that Network Rail make moves to improve the state of affairs: to either repair the building so that it can be leased or sold, or if it is beyond repair to demolish the building to allow a further aspect to the river. At the very least, the outside area could be improved and maintained
