HIGH river levels have delayed repair work to an historic bridge.

The Grade II listed Morton on Swale bridge, on the A684 between Northallerton and Leeming Bar, has been struck by vehicles on several occasions, resulting in significant damage.

Repairs had been scheduled to begin on Monday but due to the heavy rains of recent days they have been delayed.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie said: “A revised date for the start of the repairs will be announced as soon as is practical.”

The planned repairs come after the bridge was damaged after being hit by a vehicle last year.

The works were scheduled to involve four weeks of two-way traffic lights as well as three nights of complete closure to allow for road resurfacing.

In addition to the bridge repair works, new signs, road lines and a reduced speed limit will be introduced - subject to satisfactory consultation - to try to reduce the likelihood of future bridge parapet strikes.