Historic bridge could be closed until end of May

Devon County Council said it hoped to reopen the bridge by the end of May

A 17th Century bridge in Devon could be closed until the end of May, a council spokesperson has said.

The Grade II listed Denham Bridge near Bere Alston was closed after it was hit by a vehicle last Thursday.

Devon County Council said it believed a tractor and trailer were responsible for "demolishing around three metres of the parapet".

It said the specialist equipment needed for the repairs was "time-consuming".

'Specialist cantilever scaffolding'

The incident marked the second time the bridge has been damaged by vehicles this year, officials said.

Devon County Council said: “In order to repair the bridge, specialist cantilever scaffolding will be required which is time consuming to assemble and remove.

"We’re planning to carry out the repairs as soon as possible and hope to re-open the road by the end of May."

Any witnesses to the incident have been asked to share information with the council.