REPAIRS to a historic bridge at one of the region’s most popular beauty spots have been carried out this week.

Engineers and specially trained rope access teams working at Wynch Bridge, in Teesdale, found that damage to the almost 200-year-old crossing was more serious than originally thought so it was closed with immediate effect earlier this month.

Specialist workmen were seen carrying out repairs on Monday and the bridge re-opened on Wednesday.

Brian Buckley, the council’s strategic highways manager, said: “We recognise the importance of this historic bridge and we’ve taken steps to repair it as quickly as possible.

“In the interests of preventing further closures we would please ask that all users adhere to the restrictions displayed at each end of the bridge and do not hang from or stand on its wires ropes. People should also note that use of the bridge for undertaking water related activities is strictly prohibited.”

The bridge, which is Grade II listed, allows visitors to walk between Bowlees Visitor Centre and High and Low Force waterfalls.

It was built for the Duke of Cleveland in 1820 as a replacement for what was said to be the earliest suspension bridge in Europe.

It has tapered cast iron Tuscan-style columns, with wrought iron hangers, suspension cables and handrails, and a wooden deck.

Originally the bridge was built to enable lead miners who lived at Holwick to reach the mines at Middleton.