(Image: Freelancer)
WORK to repair a North Yorkshire bridge has finally started - nearly two years after it was damaged.
Nunnington Bridge was damaged during an incident in early 2025 which caused a section of the parapet to be demolished.
This necessitated the erection of barriers and the installation of temporary traffic lights to manage the movement of cars.
As the Gazette and Herald reported in June, the local Planning Committee of North Yorkshire Council approved a listed building consent application to use a mixture of original and new stone to rebuild the parapet wall of the Grade II* listed bridge to preserve its historic features.
Councillor George Jabbour, who represents Nunnington on North Yorkshire Council, had submitted a statement urging councillors sitting on the Thirsk and Malton Area Planning Committee to approve the application.
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Proposal to hike North Yorkshire councillors' allowances He said: “It has taken an awfully long time to begin the work to repair the bridge. I appreciate the historic nature of the structure and the unique circumstances of the project, but the delay in progressing this operation has caused significant inconvenience to the village.
“In response to my query to the Council, I was informed that it is hoped that the repairs will be completed around 13th November when the road can be reopened.
"In the meantime, advance warning signs are in place to alert drivers to the closure of the bridge and to provide directions to an alternative route."
Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: “It is welcome news that repairs to Nunnington Bridge are finally underway, but frankly, it should never have taken 20 months to get to this point."
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“I have repeatedly raised concerns with North Yorkshire Council over the delays and unnecessary bureaucracy, which have caused inconvenience for local residents and driven up costs, which are ultimately borne by taxpayers. Of course we must protect our historic structures, but common sense must prevail.
“I am pleased that our continued pressure, alongside Cllr George Jabbour and local residents, has got things moving. I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure the work is completed without further delay and the bridge is fully reopened as soon as possible.”