Road closed for upgrade work at Moors landmark

The A170 will be closed for a week with diversions in place

A key route through a North York Moors beauty spot will be closed for "essential" maintenance work.

The A170 at Sutton Bank will be closed from Sunday until 19:00 BST on 15 September, North Yorkshire Council confirmed.

The steep hill between Helmsley and Thirsk attracts about 130,000 visitors a year and the views from the top are "the number one reason folks visit", National Park staff said.

The annual works, to keep the road in "tip top condition", will include mending barriers, adding three car-activated signs and clearing overhanging vegetation.

The famous hill attracts more than 130,000 visitors a year

A signed diversion will be in place and access to homes on Sutton Bank will be maintained where possible.

As part of the works the council's highways team will inspect the face of the slope to prevent any rocks from falling and the boreholes to check for landslips.

A spokesperson said: “The A170 is a key route for residents, commuters and visitors so we do everything we can to minimise the time it is closed.

“This year we will be carrying out the usual maintenance works such as jetting the drains, emptying gullies, improving lining, and replacing granite setts and cats' eyes, as well as grass cutting, strimming vegetation, and replenishing the grit bins."

Sutton Bank National Park Centre manager Chris Pye said: “It is likely that more than half of visitors have travelled the steep incline on the A170 to get here.

“Whilst it’s a significant obstacle, the view from the top is the number one reason that folks visit.

“This year, we are also hugely grateful that the council is relining one of our car parks as a thank you for the use of the site."

He added: "It is a lovely gesture and one which will further improve the first impression when visitors arrive."

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