A THREE-YEAR wrangle was resolved in time for Christmas yesterday when a group of children opened a restored bridge.

The crossing over Kex Beck, on the edge of Kirkby Malzeard, was severely damaged by flooding in 2000. Repairs provided an opportunity to widen the narrow road.

Residents hoped they would have easier access to the village, but English Heritage would not permit the work on the listed structure, built in 1749.

English Heritage called for the bridge to be restored to its original condition, even though it would have added £32,000 to the repair bill.

But when the issue was referred to the Government, English Heritage was overruled and, following six months' work, the new-look Creets Bridge was opened yesterday.

Seven feet wider than the original, the bridge is wide enough for vehicles to pass each other.

Chairman of the parish council Ernie O'Keefe said the work could lead to more jobs in the area.

"Lorries from the local dairy can now come and go much more easily and I've been led to believe that may mean it can look at expansion in future - which will mean more employment for the village,'' he said.

"However, everyone benefits really, and it is super to see three years hard work come to fruition.''

The old bridge was completely dismantled and the stone used to build the new version, which has been strengthened by reinforced concrete foundations.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for environmental services, Peter Sowray, said he was delighted the bridge had been finished in time for Christmas.

"This is an historic bridge which has been rebuilt in a way to meet the demands of local people for many years to come,'' he said.

"I am confident that the new Creets Bridge will be an asset to the village and prove to be less of a hazard to modern traffic than the original."