Resort facing more swing bridge chaos

The crossing got stuck in the open position at the height of the tourist season in Whitby, cutting one side of the town off from the other.

Now Scarborough Council says its has to replace a gearbox part on the eastern section of the bridge, to replace the twin of the part which failed on the western leaf in July, causing the bridge to stick in the open position.

Officials had warned traders at the time that the corresponding part on the eastern side would have to be replaced to reduce the risk of it happening again.

The council says the work is likely to mean the bridge will be out of action for a maximum of three days. Although no dates have been agreed, the council is planning to carry out the work avoiding the school half-term holiday and the week leading up to Goth Weekend, probably in the first week of November.