Council defends bridge repair after complaints

Repair work at Stamford Bridge is due to last for 10 weeks

Council officials say they "understand" people's frustration just two weeks into a three-month repair project on a historical bridge in East Yorkshire.

The 300-year-old Stamford Bridge closed to traffic in May as part of a £350,000 scheme.

However, businesses and local residents have complained about traffic problems on the diversion routes.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said closing the bridge was "unavoidable".

A spokesperson for the authority said: "We understand people’s frustrations but closing the bridge was unavoidable. We couldn’t do this work and make this bridge safer without closing it.

"All we can do is advise drivers to plan their journeys in advance and set off earlier to avoid delays, as some alternative routes may be busier, especially at rush hours."

The authority said it has introduced traffic lights and speed restrictions in the area and has reacted to any issues as and when they have cropped up.

"Absolute chaos"

The Grade II listed structure was built in 1727 and carries the A166 over the River Derwent.

The repair project was started after a number of road accidents, which caused damage to the stonework.

Glyn Owen, who has lived in the area for 20 years, described the situation as "absolute chaos".

Speaking to BBC Radio York, she said: "Some local people have started putting their own diversion signs out. We've had HGVs, caravans and even a stretch limousine getting stuck.

"There needed to be more public consultation. The road in the village of Buttercram is trashed and has fallen away at one side because it's not built to cope with this."

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