CALLS for a picturesque 300-year-old Ryedale bridge to be protected from heavy vehicles have been made after it recently suffered extensive damage caused by a tractor and trailer.

Kirkham Bridge, which spans the River Derwent close to the landmark ruins of Kirkham Abbey, near Malton, has repeatedly suffered damage.

John Teale, who lives alongside the bridge said: “There is an urgent need for a speed, weight and length restriction on the bridge.”

He added that the bridge, rebuilt in the early 1700s, is “probably the most abused bridge in North Yorkshire” because of the damage it has suffered.

“Many of the perpetrators of the damage escape detection, resulting in repairs, costing many thousands of pounds being borne out of the public finances – a gross and wasteful use of public money.”

Mr Teale, who has lived next to the bridge for 25 years, said: “I am continually surprised at the number, size and length of the lorries using this bridge, acting as it does, as a ‘rat-run’ to and from Norton and surrounding areas.”

And, he says, the narrow roads leading to the bridge are “quite unsuitable” for heavy traffic.

“Closure of this bridge causes severe disruption to local and service traffic. Parish councils and local people have been calling for restrictions on the bridge for many years,” said Mr Teale.

He has now taken the issue up with County Coun Clare Wood, who represents the Kirkham area on North Yorkshire County Council, John Marsden, the county’s chief executive, together with the parish councils of Westow and Crambe.

As a result the issue is now under investigation.

Last week divers were retrieving 50-tonne stones from the river to prepare for repairs to the historic bridge which is expected to remain closed for some time until extensive work is carried out.