A CANAL bridge between Gargrave and Bank Newton has been closed since yesterday for repairs to take place.

Priestholme Bridge has been hit by vehicles several times over the years with the last substantial damage caused sometime over Christmas and New Year 2019/2020.

In 2009, while the bridge was in the process of being repaired, work was put back because of stone thieves.

Repairs are expected to be finished by the end of the month with traffic, except residents, diverted from the Marton Road junction. The road is  closed, weather permitting, during the week only, and emergency vehicles, farm traffic and road gritters, can still get through.

Previously, the Canal and River Trust, which is carrying out the repairs, has said bridge repairs normally cost in the region of £25,000. Repairs to Priestholme however are expected to cost less than half that.

A Canal and River Trust spokesperson said repairs are estimated to be around £10,000.

Nearby Changeline bridge, at Bank Newton, has also suffered damage recently, resulting in the current closure of the towpath and a diversion for walkers. Work on the bridge is expected to be carried out this year, or next.