A ROW over the future of a narrow, flood damaged 18th Century bridge, which has divided a community and has been closed for the past year, could be settled this week.

Creet's Bridge, at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, was shut by North Yorkshire highway chiefs following severe winter floods more than 12 months ago.

Since then it has been dubbed the community's "bridge of sighs".

Now the crossing is in further danger of collapse while a temporary structure alongside is carrying traffic.

Since the old bridge was closed, a row has rumbled on about whether it should be restored stone by stone, without being widened, or pulled down and a wider bridge built.

Demolishing and rebuilding the bridge to its original width would cost £405,000; demolishing and rebuilding it to a greater width would cost £440,000, while repairing it would cost £472,000

English Heritage say because of its Grade II listed status the old bridge, half a mile from the village centre on the Ripon-Kirkby road across Creet's Beck, should be restored to its former state.

And at a meeting on Thursday councillors will be asked to give their verdict on the way forward.

Mike Moore, the county's director of environmental services, said they have a duty to protect listed structures.

He also said there is considerable concern that a further collapse could happen.

Mr Moore added that the most cost-effective solution would be to implement repairs in two stages. The first would provide support for the archway, followed by repairs or widening the bridge.

Meanwhile, bosses at Wensleydale Creameries, who have a cheese factory near the bridge, say the original bridge was not built with 44 tonne vehicles in mind.

Councillors are being asked to consider the range of issues before giving their verdict