A PARK-and-ride site which was closed due to a collapsed sewer is to reopen today.

The Howlands site, one of three surrounding Durham, has been closed since Tuesday when a collapsed sewer meant that the access road to the site had to be shut.

Although work was planned for the New Year, the situation deteriorated suddenly and the council said there was no choice but to close the road, which also meant the closure of the park-and-ride site.

A temporary access point has now been put in place which will allow the site to reopen from 7am on Thursday.

Adrian White, head of transport and contracts, said: “Although there was no danger to the public, the collapsed sewer meant that access to the Park and Ride site, and therefore the facility itself, had to be closed.

“We have worked quickly to put a temporary access in place so Howlands can reopen while the repair works are carried out.

"We’d like to thank the public for their patience during this time.”