SUTTON Bank will close to traffic next month.

North Yorkshire County Council announced the A170 between Helmsley and Thirsk will close for one week from Monday, September 10, for annual maintenance work, and inspection of the rock face to ensure it is in a sound condition.

Osgoodby Lane, south of the A170, will also be closed and there will be no access to or from the A170 for Osgoodby Lane residents.

Diversions will be signposted through Ampleforth and Coxwold, and access to premises on Sutton Bank will be maintained whenever possible, but there may be times when it is restricted.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: “The county council will be making every effort to complete the work as soon as possible and to keep disruption to a minimum. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause.’’

Councillor Gareth Dadd, who represents the Thirsk division, said: “Sutton Bank is a key strategic route and therefore an important part of the county’s highways network. Making sure it stays in good condition is vital and we can’t do this work without putting a road closure in place.’’

Further information about the work including the diversion route can be found at northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks