THE A170 at Sutton Bank near Thirsk is to close for a week to allow for essential maintenance work next month.

The steep but heavily used route between Helmsley and Thirsk, which is a popular road with holidaymakers and day trippers heading to and from the Yorkshire coast, will shut from Monday, September 11.

The project will include the annual inspection and maintenance of the rock face of the bank.

This work is needed to ensure the road remains structurally sound, said a spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council.

He said the authority would also be closing Osgoodby Lane south of the A170 and consequently there would be no access on or off the A170 at this junction for Osgoodby Lane residents.

“During the Sutton Bank closure, access to premises on the bank will be maintained whenever possible, but there may be times when it is restricted,” he said.

“A diversion will be signposted along the caravan route through Ampleforth and Coxwold.”

County councillor Don Mackenzie, who is the executive member for highways at the authority, said: “Every effort will be made to ensure the work is completed as soon as possible and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”

Cllr Mackenzie added: “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any disruption that these works may cause.”

Cllr Gareth Dadd, who represents the Thirsk division, said: “Sutton Bank is a vital part of the county’s highways network and ensuring it remains in good order is essential.

“It is not possible to do this work without closing the road.’’

Further information about the work and other highways repairs in North Yorkshire can be found at the website www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks.