Bubwith Bridge: Concern for Yorkshire villagers as historic bridge set to close for five months

East Riding Council has announced that Bubwith Bridge will close in July for 20 weeks.

The 225-year-old stone bridge, which carries the A163 over the River Derwent, was badly damaged by a car in September.

Sandra Hills, chair of Bubwith parish council, said: “It’s a major A road which goes between Bubwith and Selby and York. It’s the main road in and out of the village and it’s going to have a really serious impact on local businesses.

"I would suggest there won’t be anyone in the village who won’t feel the impact.”

She said allowing pedestrians to cross the bridge during the work would help ease problems.

Adam Holmes, the council's director of infrastructure and facilities, said residents and businesses were being contacted so they could raise issues and the council would do what it could to help.

He said: “We understand that this will cause inconvenience and disruption, but it is essential that we protect this historic bridge for the future. The crash caused major damage to the bridge, and highlighted some weaknesses, and unfortunately, we cannot carry out the necessary repairs while the bridge is open.”