Whitby's swing bridge reopens after second breakdown

The bridge became stuck in the closed position this morning, with officials blaming an electrical fault.

John Riby, Scarborough Borough Council's Head of Technical Services said: "Our engineers diagnosed a faulty electrical component on the east side of the bridge.

"The part has been replaced, the bridge has been tested and it is now back in full working order, which means that harbour traffic can once again enter and leave the harbour.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused to harbour users today and thank them for their patience."

Last month, gear parts had to be flown in from Italy after the bridge became stuck in the open position, dividing the two halves of the town for nine days.

Shuttle buses had to be laid on, causing long tailbacks and forcing many passengers to pay for ferries instead.