Ludford Bridge repair work to start in February

Shropshire Council said frost may have destabilised the ancient bridge

Repair work to a Shropshire bridge, which closed to traffic when masonry fell from it, will not begin until the end of February.

Ludford Bridge, in Ludlow, closed when masonry fell into the River Teme on 4 January. It has since reopened to pedestrians.

Shropshire Council believes frost got into the ancient monument.

A spokesman said work, estimated to cost £90,000, could not begin earlier because of time needed for the design.

Work is scheduled to begin on 21 February and last for nine weeks.

Diversions are in place and the spokesman said the council appreciated its closure was causing inconvenience.