A BRIDGE over the River Don at Thurgoland is not to be built after the estimated cost increased by more than £85,000.
The initial quote for the footbridge over the crossing at Old Mill Lane was £13,500 but after a site visit by a structural engineer the estimated cost jumped to £100,000.
The footpath, originally provided for workers at the Green Moor quarry, is regularly used by ramblers, cyclists and horse riders.
It is almost a mile to the next crossing in both directions.
At a parish council meeting last week representatives from Barnsley council said there was no possibility of a bridge at the site.
Hunshelf parish council clerk David Horsfall said: "A bridge would be ideal but the bank is really steep and we need something that is safe for people to cross. It would need to be around eight feet above normal water level in case of heavy rain and people don't realise the width of the river.
"I have had to wade through the river on a few occasions because the stepping stones are unsafe but it seems the bridge idea is dead in the water."
