THE closure of Selby Toll Bridge for further repair is the town's equivalent of the Forth Bridge.

The bridge closed on Sunday and is expected to remain closed for much of February, as contractors carry out extensive repairs.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire County Council's Executive member for access, said the work was part of an "ongoing programme", which follows a survey of the bridge which took place in December.

He said: "We will replace all the surface timber, waterproof the timber below the deck and carry out other essential maintenance.

"The work is expected to be complete within three weeks, but this is dependent on the weather and any unforeseen defects below the timber deck boards."

Town Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright said the repeated need for essential repair and maintenance was "taking on legendary status locally, almost akin to the never ending painting of the Forth Bridge - a problem which has been solved".

Cllr Shaw-Wright said the bridge was rebuilt in the late 1960s and had undergone repairs five times in the last nine years, including repairs to a structural failure in 2014, refurbishment in 2015 and "improved skid resistance" in 2018.

He said: "The closure, yet again, of the Toll Bridge for more essential maintenance was raised at the council meeting. It was felt that by just replacing an old construction material ie wood, with more wood the town would be back in a similar situation in a year or two.

"The Town council is writing to NYCC to ask why don’t the engineers at County Hall to come up with an up to date solution? After all, there have been iron bridges since 1781. It was suggested that the council should look into using Fibre Reinforced Polymer as the base boards. This material is more durable than wood, does not retain moisture and would cause fewer problems when in contact with the steel substructure of the bridge."

Cllr Shaw-Wright said the problems with the bridge had been exacerbated by the number of HGVs who continue to use it despite restrictions put in place to prevent it.

The bridge will be closed to vehicles during the work, with a signposted diversion and a revised route for the bus service.

Access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times.