A NEGLECTED North Yorkshire bridge that had fallen into disrepair will cost thousands of pounds to restore.

Built more than 135 years ago, the bridge at Myton on Swale, near Helperby, was closed in September 1998 because it was rendered unsafe. It is estimated that its restoration costs will be about £366,000.

North Yorkshire County Council took over the ownership of the bridge last January as part of its responsibility for maintaining the route of a bridleway that passes over it.

They are working with The Friends of Myton Bridge to finance its repairs. The group has sought substantial funding and grant aid towards the project.

Friends chairman Peter Bousfield said: "There has been a tremendous amount of work put in since the group was set up in September 2000. By working together with the council we have been able to raise the funds."

Councillor Peter Sowray, the county council's executive member for environmental services, said: "This project demonstrates how the county council works with various organisations and community groups to restore a piece of North Yorkshire history to its former glory."

The bridge repair work, which has been contracted to Lumsden and Carroll, will begin on Friday, September 20.

The work involves replacing the concrete bridge deck, repainting the bridge and repairing and replacing damaged or missing brickwork.

A grant of £185,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund will help pay for the work.

A contract has already been let to Casting Repairs for the repair and replacement of cast iron parapets thanks to landfill tax credit funding of £50,000 from the waste recycling group, administered by Waste Recycling Environment.

Coun Sowray said: "All parties involved have pulled together to ensure funding the project has been made possible. With such strong support and backing I'm sure all the hard work will be very much worth it.

"It is hoped that work on the bridge will be completed by the new year."