DAILY inspections of the hillside at Kex Gill next to the closed A59 are taking place in an effort to ensure the commuter route between Skipton and Harrogate is reopened as soon as possible.

The section of road between Bolton Abbey and Blubberhouses has been closed since Tuesday last week for safety reasons.

'Substantial' cracks were found on the hillside following persistent, heavy rain leading to fears of a possible landslide into the road.

Since then, specialist, geotechnical engineers have been carrying out daily inspections for North Yorkshire County Council.

Engineers are also looking at ways of diverting a substantial flow of water found at the top of the unstable piece of land.

A survey of the slope carried out last week revealed significant movement of up to 800mm.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, North Yorkshire's executive member for highways, said everything was being done to get the road reopened.

“We are doing everything we can to find out how to stabilise the hillside at Kex Gill," he said. ”

“We do not underestimate the significant inconvenience this A59 closure presents to road users in the North Yorkshire, Leeds and Bradford areas but safety on the highway must be our greatest priority.”

Skipton MP Julian Smith has been in regular contact with the council and transport ministers.

"I convened a conference call last Friday between transport ministers and the council, and the transport department stands ready to assist if required," he said.

"I am acutely aware of the challenges this is putting on commuter journey times and travellers more generally and I have pressed on the council the need to reopen the road as soon as possible. Having said that I support North Yorkshire County Council in ensuring safety is put first. I am speaking with them on a daily basis and will continue to assist in any way I can to help get the road reopened."

Mr Smith added if flooding was found to be responsible for problems at Kex Gill, he would assist the council in receiving compensation from the government. He would also do what he could to assist the council in financing a longer term solution, which could see the road being realigned.

Meanwhile, the council is urging drivers to use the official diversion route through Ilkley and Otley and not take short cuts, including along the single track road through West End and Thruscross, and Addingham.

The closure has resulted in changes to some Saturday bus services from Skipton.

Bus X75 from Skipton to Harrogate will continue to depart at 11.15am, 2.15pm and 4.35pm on Saturdays, but return buses from Harrogate will be changed slightly to run at 9.55am, 12.20pm and 3.20pm. Buses will not serve Blubberhouses or Kettlesing Head.

Full details of these changes are available online at www.dalesbus.org