WORK has started to replace a bridge in the Yorkshire Dales National Park that was demolished during flooding in early December last year.

The bridge at Birks Mill outside Sedbergh – which had a span of 33 metres – bore the full force of Storm Desmond and its disappearance has disrupted some local walking routes.

The new version is being supplied by Cumbria County Council and will be assembled by Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority rangers.

The work is likely to last two to three weeks, depending on the weather, and it should be open for business by the end of November, according to YDNPA Area Ranger Paul Wilkinson.

“The bridge was important for a number of circular walks around the town, and the Dales Way passes the western end of it,” he said.

“Its disappearance means that people wanting to cross the River Rawthey between Birks and Catholes are forced to take a two kilometres detour via Millthrop.

The Authority has been working with a number of partners to plan the replacement and the work started at the weekend.

Financial support has come from CCC, the YDNPA, Sedbergh Parish Council, Friends of the Lake District, HF Holidays, the Ramblers Association and the Dales Way Association.