AN historic cart bridge which has been closed numerous times due to damage is set to reopen with barriers to protect it.

Grade II listed Blakey Bridge, in Sowerby, which is a key route for residents, has been closed for six weeks after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in August, just weeks after a 52-seat National Express coach knocked most of a parapet down.

A meeting of Sowerby Parish Council heard that despite numerous attempts to protect the bridge, which was built in the late 18th Century, it had been the site of an increasing number of accidents.

Frustration over its closure has mounted among residents and businesses, including Thirsk Auction Mart, as it enforces time-consuming detours through Thirsk town centre.

The meeting was told the council was able to identify those responsible for 95 per cent of the crashes, so the costs of repairs, which often runs into tens of thousands of pounds, was less of an issue than the inconvenience its closure caused.

Residents said action was needed at the site and suggested a range of schemes, including a second bridge and work to reduce the severity of the bend leading to it on Blakey Lane.

Sowerby county councillor Bob Baker said satellite navigation devices were leading a number of unsuitable vehicles to attempt to negotiate the narrow bridge.

He said: "Some very expensive solutions are being discussed and I don't think the money is there."

Councillor Andrew Turner said the bridge could be closed to non-cars and CCTV cameras could be installed to enforce the order.

Councillor Chris France added installing a mirror at the bend before the bridge would be a cost-effective way of improving the situation.

Parish council chairman, Councillor Bill Austin said: "We will never get a solution for everybody."

Councillor Mark Robson said the county council had agreed to install parapets either side of the bridge this week to stop vehicles from hitting it and the 30mph speed restrictions would be moved to slow vehicles ahead of the bridge.

He said the distance between the parapets would be less wide than the narrowest part of the limestone bridge.

Cllr Robson said: "Residents are up in arms and businesses are suffering, so we need a solution, and narrowing down would be one immediate answer."

Highways officers are considering whether to close the bridge, and the road leading to it, during work on the A168 junction near Sowerby Gateway, to avert rat-running traffic in Blakey Lane.