WORK to replace a flood-blighted bridge which will safeguard and potentially create hundreds of jobs is on schedule.

At Dalton Industrial Estate near Thirsk, the road is being realigned and a new bridge constructed over Cod Beck.

The £4.1m project began in June and has progressed well, with the embankment construction and the installation of the first part of the Thacker Beck culvert complete.

Councillor Mark Robson, Hambleton District Council leader, said: “This scheme is going to make a massive difference to people working on the estate and living in Dalton.

“We hope it will see the economy of this important industrial estate grow and bring more businesses into Hambleton.”

Work has now paused to allow the new road embankments to settle.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways, expects work will resume in late November.

The new road is expected to open in March next year, with all works complete three months later.