‘No plan to close historic swing bridge for good’ insists leading port councillor

A SENIOR councillor has stressed no decision has been taken to permanently shut Whitby’s swing bridge to traffic as the historic crossing is closed for the first time this weekend as part of a trial to ease congestion.

Residents, businesses and visitors are being urged to share views on the pilot to make the bridge traffic-free on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Vehicles will be prohibited from using the crossing from 10.30am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for access, Coun Don Mackenzie, said: “Over the last few years we have had to close the swing bridge to traffic at incredibly busy times due to safety concerns, so we see this as a long-term solution.

“We have now launched a survey and are inviting the public to share their views during the current trial to shape our plans going forward. I would stress that this is a trial and it will be reviewed before any decision is made about its permanence.”

The trial closure is set to run for a maximum of 18 months, with the earliest date for a review likely to be in December. Highways teams will monitor the situation and, if necessary, make alterations to respond to changes in demand.

There has been a crossing point across the River Esk at the site of Whitby’s swing bridge since 1351, when Edward III granted his bailiffs authority to collect tolls to maintain a bridge.

The first swing bridge was built in 1835 and lasted until 1908 and the present structure was commissioned by Whitby Urban Council in 1906.

More details on the survey are at www.northyorks.gov.uk/whitby-swing-bridge. The deadline for comments is the end of September.