A BRIDGE that has been closed for safety reasons has split a village in two and sparked criticism over why action has not be taken sooner.

Burneside's Ford Bridge was the subject of an emergency closure on Monday after as detailed dive inspection by Cumbria County Council s' found there was 'significant deterioration' of the bases beneath the bridge's two supporting piers .

It has been closed to vehicles and pedestrians meaning that around 300 people have been inconvenienced getting to their homes in the Hall Park and Bridge Street areas.

Burneside Parish councillor Nigel Byrom described the closure as 'absolutely disgraceful' and said that CCC should have acted more promptly after the bridge suffered damage in Storm Desmond leading to the bridge being subjected to vehicle weight restrictions.

"We have been seeking to raise concerns about the failure of the council to take action for months," he said. "They should have acted a damn sight quicker."

Cllr James Airey Mr Airey, leader of the Conservatives on CCC, said: “There has been a continual stream of excuses and delays and a failure to act promptly to repair and protect bridges from further damage.

"As a result of delayed intervention, the key bridge in Burneside has now been closed once again to both traffic and pedestrians, cutting this vital growing community in two, endangering local people and closing a key route across to the A6.”

And writing in the Burneside Parish Residents' Association Facebook group, Gayle Howarth said that her inbox was 'full of strong concerns from residents following the closure of the bridge.

Technical teams have visited the site and are in the process of determining what action can be taken to stop any further deterioration and prevent the remaining piers collapsing.

The dive team was scheduled to enter the water this morning (Thursday) to carry out the required protection work. In parallel, the team is considering what work, if any, can be undertaken to allow the bridge to be re-opened.

The council has said that all options are being assessed to determine whether an alternative approach to repair is possible and cost effective, recognising that a full replacement of the current structure is still planned for summer 2018.

Stephen Hall, assistant director Highways, Transport and Fleet at CCC, said: “We understand this is a real inconvenience for people living and working in the village. We’ve monitored this bridge closely and it was right that we closed it as soon as the risk to the public was identified.

"We now have to take stock and look at the options available. At this stage it impossible to say with certainty how long the bridge may be closed for, unfortunately it may be a prolonged period, but we will provide further information as soon as we know more.”

Further information will be issued once the options have been considered in detail.

Burneside Parish Residents' Association will be holding an emergency meeting about the bridge on October 28 from 2pm to 3pm at Burneside Cricket Club.