ONE of the region's steepest roads will be closed for a week from September 8 while repair and maintenance work is carried out.

North Yorkshire County Council say the work on the A170 at Sutton Bank, near Thirsk, is essential to keep the road in good order and structurally sound.

The work will include extensive carriageway resurfacing as well as the crucial annual inspection of the rock face.

The Sutton Road approach to Thirsk will also be closed for one week while the road is resurfaced at the White Mere roundabout at Barbeck.

"This work will inevitably cause some inconvenience to motorists, for which we apologise," said County Councillor Gareth Dadd, executive member for highways.

"However, it is vital that the maintenance work on Sutton Bank is completed in time for winter.

!A full closure of the road is necessary to ensure that the works are carried out as safely and as quickly as possible."

Diversions will be set up via Coxwold, Wass and Ampleforth.,