CYCLISTS and walkers are being warned against ignoring the road closure signs at a Dales bridge that still isn't safe to use.

North Yorkshire County Council highways team are carrying out permanent repairs to the Cogden South bridge on the C106 near Grinton Moor.

The bridge was destroyed during catastrophic flooding in parts of the Dales in the summer of 2019.

The new bridge is on schedule to open by January 25 2021, but there have been reports that walkers and cyclists are using it already - and putting themselves at risk.

Cllr Yvonne Peacock, member for the Upper Dales, said: “As we have reached the stage where the shell of the bridge is up, we are finding that cyclists and walkers are moving safety fencing and crossing the bridge.

“I would like to remind the public that the site is not safe and by going beyond the barriers they are trespassing.

"We understand the closure is an inconvenience but the measures are in place for your safety.

"We are very much looking forward to the bridge reopening in the New Year.”

The masonry arch bridge has been constructed with just the remaining stone walls left to be built.

The temporary road and steel pipes that once gave access over the beck are due to be removed.

And embankment and re-profiling works are still to be completed, along with drainage, kerb and verge works, road surfacing and reinstatement of the land.