LOCAL COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR ELVINGTON BRIDGE WORK TO START IMMEDIATELY (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

LOCAL COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR ELVINGTON BRIDGE WORK TO START IMMEDIATELY

January 21, 2010 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Councillor Christian Vassie called for work to repair Elvington Bridge to begin immediately in order to protect businesses affected by the closure.

Councillor Vassie said, "This morning I visited the village to see the damage to the bridge for myself. I spoke with the owner of the village shop, the hairdressers, the pub, and the garage. All are losing very significant business as all are reliant on passing trade which is currently non-existent."

The impact of the closure on the diversion route was also a cause for concern said Councillor Vassie. "It is clear that the diversion that is in place is impacting on traffic on the A1229 between York and Hull."

"We need all parties to show a sense of urgency so that this problem can be sorted. The local businesses in Elvington serve Sutton, Kexby, Melbourne and other villages and must be protected."

Councillor Vassie said he had asked York's Liberal Democrat Council Leader, Andrew Waller to raise the issue with East Riding Council who will be carrying out the repairs.

Councillor Waller said he had spoken with the Deputy Leader of East Riding Council and stressed the importance of carrying out the repairs as soon as possible.

Councillor Waller also said that City of York Council had offered staff from it's Ancient Monuments Team to help with repairs to the 18th century bridge.

Councillor Vassie said that once repairs were complete authorities should look at placing a weight limit on the bridge. He said, "There are long standing issues relating to the size of lorries using the bridge and I would hope that in due course more serious consideration is given to placing a weight limit on what is, after all, an 18th century structure."