A pedestrian safety initiative has encountered a fresh obstacle, prolonging frustration among local residents who have awaited improvements for years.
The proposal involves constructing an uninterrupted footpath along Sutton Lane connecting Eastburn and Sutton-in-Craven.
Plans have stalled because of difficulties acquiring the necessary land.
The scheme represents a collaboration between Bradford Council and North Yorkshire Council, intended to resolve safety issues on a section of road where pedestrians currently share the carriageway with speeding traffic.
Despite optimism earlier this year that construction might commence imminently, a recent briefing provided to Councillor George Buckley confirmed that land negotiations concerning the Bradford portion of Sutton Lane have encountered a substantial problem.
One property owner who had previously indicated verbal support has since refused to sell the parcel required for the project.
Alternative approaches are under consideration to circumvent the prospect of a prolonged compulsory purchase order procedure.