AN historic bridge in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales could crumble into the river that runs below it, people living nearby fear.

The 16th-century bridge in Ivelet, a tiny Swaledale village between Muker and Gunnerside, was damaged in the summer of 2012 and was subsequently closed for repairs .

But now the stonework on the picturesque crossing is disappearing again, leading to fears that the entire bridge is at risk.

A Swaledale resident, who did not wish to be named, said the bridge is iconic in the dale, appearing on postcards and calendars of the area.

“What message does the neglect of this bridge convey to visitors?” he asked.

“The parapet of this beautiful 16th century pack horse bridge was damaged in 2012, presumably by a vehicle and it was closed.

“For many months nothing visible happened, and after nearly two years repair work was eventually performed shortly before – and perhaps because of – the Tour de France.

“But very soon after its repair the parapet was damaged again. It is easy to see that the mortar used had not set and still had the consistency of sand."

He said he and others in Swaledale were concerned that North Yorkshire County Council had not sent anyone to check the mortar mix after the repair - or if they had that no action was taken at that stage.

He added: “Over many further months many of the ancient and specially-shaped coping stones have progressively disappeared and continue to do so.

“We fear that they may be falling into the River Swale, it is likely that any of these ancient stones that have fallen in to the water will have been lost forever.

“This process of loss continues as many of the coping stones that appeared to be still held relatively firmly after the initial damage now appear to be also at risk as they were re-laid with faulty mortar.”

He is now calling on the county council to act as the third anniversary of the original damage approaches and the rapid deterioration continues.

The clerk of Melbecks Parish Council, Nikki Adams, said the matter had recently been raised with the authority and was likely to be discussed at its next meeting.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said: “Ivelet Bridge is currently closed for safety reasons due to damage caused to the structure, and there is a signed diversion in place.

“The bridge is Grade II listed and we are currently discussing the most appropriate method of repair with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.”