A FOOTBRIDGE over the River Foss in York will be closing for repairs at the start of next month.

Blue Bridge near New Walk will close on October 3 for three weeks, so the timber deck can be replaced and other repairs carried out.

The bridge is used by hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists every day, but in July it was revealed that nine months earlier inspectors had warned it was in a very poor condition and needed immediate action.

The city council is now planning repairs, and Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for transport and planning, said: “The Blue Bridge forms part of a well used route by commuters, residents and visitors.

“We want to ensure that this remains a safe route for many years to come which includes periodical maintenance for the bridge to ensure it stays in good condition.”

The repairs will include renewing the timber bridge deck as well as detailed inspections of hidden areas of the structure .

The bridge’s lifting mechanisms will also get attention so it can be kept in working order.

Subject to those inspections, the bridge should be repainted later in the financial year, and the beams repaired.

During the three week closure a signed diversion route will take pedestrians and cyclists via Fishergate.

The council is also resurfacing the nearby St George’s Field car park, and will be doing the work at the same time as the Blue Bridge repairs to try and keep disruption to a minimum.