CALLS for a busy road to remain closed to heavy traffic have been criticised by a county councillor.

Gareth Dadd said that any suggestions of a permanent closure of Blakey Lane, in Sowerby, near Thirsk, was "reckless thinking".

He said: "The damage this closure could continue to do to Thirsk as a vibrant market town with flowing traffic is unpalatable, to say the least."

"To suggest that it remain closed on a long-term basis is nothing short of reckless thinking."

Coun Dadd, who is county councillor for Thirsk, said: "I understand that local residents have enjoyed an unprecedented peaceful summer. However, I must stand up for my electorate, about 4,500, many of whom have complained at the daily inconvenience they are enduring getting to and from work and so on."

The normally busy through-road, which links the A168 to Sowerby Front Street, has been closed for three months after a lorry damaged Blakey Bridge.

Since then, resident Don Cartridge says locals have been able to use Blakey Lane without fear. He has called for a debate on the possible permanent closure of the lane to heavy traffic.

"I feel it's for the people to give their views on it and I'm trying to get a debate going with the people who normally use that lane," he said.

Month-long repair work on the bridge has started with cast iron bollards being installed along the side of the A168.

North Yorkshire County Council has said it may impose a stringent weight limit system to stop heavy vehicles using the bridge.

It has spent more than £30,000 over the past 15 years repairing the bridge after collisions.