A BRIDGE initially planned to close for 20 weeks is causing an inconvenience to residents.

Witton Park Bridge, near Bishop Auckland, initially shut to allow Durham County Council to partially rebuild, clean, and paint it.

The main element of the proposed work involved blast cleaning and painting the existing steelwork.

Since the closure, a detailed assessment was carried out and it was confirmed the bridge was structurally unsound – the council said it must remain closed to all traffic.

One cart driver seen trekking along Sloshes Lane, in Bishop Auckland, created a sign apologising to motorists for causing delays in traffic.

Residents criticising the closure also visited Durham County Council’s headquarters to share their concerns over the bridge – which has been closed since July 2018.

Members of the Save Witton Park Bridge Group campaigned outside County Hall in Durham before they headed into a Durham County Council meeting to share their thoughts.

The council is considering four options for the bridge, ahead of making recommendations to cabinet.

A public meeting will be held to discuss the concerns at the Witton Park Village Hall, on Friday, July 12, at 6.30pm.