COUNCIL chiefs say contractors are continuing to work this week in their battle to complete repairs to Tadcaster bridge by the target date of January 27.

The 18th century grade two listed bridge over the River Wharfe - which links the two sides of the town - partially collapsed on December 29 last year after being weakened by severe flooding on Boxing Day.

Pedestrians and cyclists have been able to cross the river since a temporary footbridge was built in the aftermath of the floods, but vehicles have faced a lengthy detour via the A64 to get from one side of Tadcaster to the other for the past year. The closure has led to a drastic drop in passing trade for local businesses.

North Yorkshire County Council, which is leading the £4.4 million project to reconstruct and widen the bridge, hoped originally to re-open it by now, but work was delayed in the autumn because of high river levels.

A council spokeswoman said stone masons and a stone supplier would be working between now and the New Year to help achieve the revised reopening target date of January 27.

“Although over the past few weeks there have inevitably been some issues, in particular with complicated detail elements of the bridge’s stone work, the county council is working closely with the stone supplier and stone masons to meet the January 27 deadline,” she said.

“Once masons have completed work to the arch barrels, spandrel walls and pier and parapet masonry, contractors will construct the footway and lay the surfacing on the carriageway.”

Tadcaster councillor Chris Metcalfe said the ‘pieces of the jigsaw are coming together and completion is in sight.’

He said Tadcaster’s residents and businesses had been very patient and understanding, and the authority shared their disappointment at recent delays outside its control. “The town has shown great fortitude over this past, difficult year, and we have our fingers crossed for fairer weather in January,” he said.

“But given the high level of community spirit that exists in Tadcaster, we can look to 2017 with optimism. With our reconstructed, newly widened bridge, we can look forward to an exciting and prosperous year.

“We will have the Tour de Yorkshire starting in Tadcaster at the end of April and no doubt other opportunities will come along as the year progresses.”