ESSENTIAL work to Pinder Canal Bridge, Skipton, is due to get underway on Monday (June 6).

The large scale repainting scheme, to protect it from the weather, is due to take six weeks and although the bridge and canal will remain open, there will be two-way temporary traffic lights on the bridge. Pedestrian access will be maintained on Keighley Road.

A recent inspection by North Yorkshire County Council's bridges team revealed that the paint protecting the steel parts of the bridge has deteriorated, exposing it to weather damage and causing corrosion.

By cleaning and repainting the bridge it will be protected from the elements to prevent any further deterioration.

Cllr Andy Solloway, member for the Skipton West and West Craven division, said: “To minimise the inconvenience to road users we are carrying out the work before the school summer holidays. We have also consulted with local boat hire businesses and the Canal and River Trust to ensure that the canal will remain open and allow boats to pass.

“We would like to apologise in advance for the disruption and would urge you to leave extra time for your journeys. This is an essential scheme which, when complete, will have gone a long way in future-proofing the bridge.”

For more details, visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks-map