Fears for shop trade as bridge closes again

Sutton Bridge, which links Elvington, in North Yorkshire, and Sutton on Derwent, in the East Riding, will close for a second time in a fortnight for major repairs.

Elvington Village Stores lost 60 per cent of its trade when the bridge closed in January after an unknown vehicle crashed into it, damaging the stonework.

East Riding Council says as well as the structural repairs it will be resurfacing the approach roads at the same time.

The village shop is extending opening hours to 6am to 9pm seven days a week and is doing free deliveries.

Shopkeeper Tom Fitzpatrick, who has run the business for the last 15 years, said: "The last time we dropped 60 per cent. We have to grin and bear it. I am sure we are going to survive, but it will be difficult."

Ian Bailey, chairman of Elvington Parish Council, said: "During the period of the bridge closure the retail business and services will be especially badly affected due to the loss of passing trade.

"Both parish councils urge local residents to support their business by making extra use of them during this time."

The bridge will close on June 14 with traffic diversions put in place.

Mike Ball, from East Riding Council, said: "While the need to repair the bridge is out of the council's hands we are extremely sympathetic to the needs of the local community and to local businesses.

"Carrying out the works in the middle of summer will allow contractors to make best use of the natural light as they work around the clock to reopen this bridge as soon as possible."

During the work businesses will be open as usual in both Elvington and Sutton on Derwent villages.v