HIGHWAYS chiefs have delayed plans to close a vital road bridge in the Allen Valleys until next summer.

Sipton Bridge, on the B6295 between Sinderhope and Spartylea, is relied upon by school buses and public transport.

Initial plans to close the bridge for major repairs early in the New Year were met with anger by local councillors, who said the only suitable diversion, via Carrshield and Colecleugh, was impassable during winter months.

This week, Northumberland County Council announced that the proposed 10-week closure will now not take place until July next year.

The closure period will incorporate the school summer holidays, minimising disruption for school buses.

The decision has followed dialogue with Allendale Parish Council and local county councillor Colin Horncastle.

A county council spokesman said: “We are in agreement that the summer holidays would be the best opportunity for the closure to take place.

“We will therefore programme the works for summer 2017 and will do everything possible to limit the impact of the road closure on the surrounding areas during this period.”

The work will be carried out as part of the county council’s Masonry Arch Refurbishment Programme.

The spokesman added: “The temporary props that support the bridge are nearing the end of their suitable life and the refurbishment work is essential in order to keep the bridge and road above it in operation for years to come.”

Speaking on Wednesday, Coun. Horncastle said: “We all accept that the work has to be done, and delaying it until the summer is the best possible outcome.

“It has been scheduled to close for 10 weeks, but my hope is that it will not take as long as that.

“I am hopeful that some of the work underneath the bridge can done without closing it.”

Coun. Horncastle said the only realistic alternative route is via Carrshield and Colecleugh.

He added: “That’s the only sensible diversion, and it’s only really suitable during the summer months.

“This route is also used by public transport and a lot of other motorists, so it’s vital that disruption is kept to a minimum.”