DRIVERS heading from Settle to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Ribblehead are being reminded they face long diversions because of a bridge closure.

The listed Gray Bridge, next to The Crown pub in Horton, is now closed for repairs and is due to remain closed for the rest of the month. Pedestrians can still cross the bridge, but it will be closed to traffic, apart from in an emergency, until December 2.

North Yorkshire County Council, which is carrying out the £60,000 repairs, had planned to do the work in February, but delayed it until now to avoid the busy lambing season.

To minimise the inconvenience to residents who live on the Settle side of the bridge, National Parks is issuing parking permits for its car park during the closure. The county council’s passenger transport team is also splitting the school bus route and organising for drop-off and pick-ups at the car park.

Drivers are being warned of the closure on the approaches from both Settle and Ribblehead. The 30 mile diversion will take motorists along Station Road/B649 towards the Pennine Way, then the B6480 and onto the A65. Then onto Laundry Lane, Back Gate/B6255, Gauber Road, Ingman Lodge Road, Selside Shaw Long Lane/B6479.

For details of the diversion route visit the county council’s roadworks map at www.northyorks.gov.uk/roadworks-map