WORK to protect Leven Bank in Yarm is being brought forward following the recent spell of wintery weather.

Stockton Borough Council monitors the condition of the road and bank and had planned to carry out work this summer.

However, the latest inspection has revealed the recent snow and ice has caused erosion to the river bank which needs further investigation.

Concrete barriers will be positioned in front of the existing low level crash barrier on the westbound side of the carriageway while the options for the best way to restore the bank and protect it from future erosion are assessed.

Cllr Mike Smith, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “As part of our planned maintenance programme, work to maintain and protect the road was planned for this summer. However, we have decided to bring this forward as a result of the recent bad weather which has caused some erosion to the bank.”

During the works traffic will be one-way, controlled by temporary traffic lights.