Historic swing bridge closures to 'ensure safety'

The first closures would take place during the Easter school holidays, the council said

Whitby's historic swing bridge is to close to traffic during the busier periods of the year.

The bridge closure was initially trialled in April 2021, after safety concerns about congestion.

The bridge will close to traffic, with the exception of buses, between 10:30 and 16:00 every weekend during school holidays, as well as on bank holidays and during special events such as the Whitby Goth Weekend.

The first closure would come into force for the Easter school holidays on the weekend of 5 and 6 April, North Yorkshire Council said.

A spokesperson said the pedestrianisation of the bridge was "essential" in terms of improving safety

The 75ft (23m) bridge, which spans the River Esk, was built in1909 and links the east and west sides of the town.

Councillor Keane Duncan said closing the structure at the busiest times of the summer season had "proven absolutely key and has generated positive feedback from local businesses".

Duncan, executive member for highways and transport at North Yorkshire Council (NYC), said: "Continuing the closures this year will once again ensure Whitby residents and visitors can enjoy the town safely."

A council spokesperson said in addition to school and bank holidays, the traffic-free measure would be implemented for Goth weekends on 26 and 27 April as well as 1 and 2 November.

Councillor Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh area at NYC, said: "We have another year of popular events taking place in Whitby, and we know how important school holidays are for the tourist economy in the town."

The councillor said signage would be in place, with traffic flow monitored to ensure the scheme was "smoothly coordinated and allows pedestrians to use the bridge safely at all times".

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