Engineers are working to repair historic Otley Bridge after it was badly damaged in an accident.

The bridge, which is classified by English Heritage as a scheduled ancient monument, was damaged in a crash on Saturday night.

It was closed by the police until the early hours of Sunday and has been restricted to one-way traffic this week.

The west parapet of the listed bridge suffered serious damage and was in danger of falling into the River Wharfe.

To reduce any further damage traffic on the busy route has been restricted to one lane across the bridge with traffic lights operating.

Police have all the details of the vehicles involved in the accident and it is expected that full recovery of the cost of repair work can be made.

A Leeds City Council official said: “We are doing all we can to repair the parapet and re-open the bridge to two way traffic.

“However as care needs to be exercised to prevent the listed bridge materials from falling into the river, the repair works will need to be planned carefully.”

Councillors are calling for speedy repairs but are also stressing the need to respect the age of the bridge.

Otley and Yeadon councillor Colin Campbell said: “We have asked that any necessary work is carried out as quickly as possible but we appreciate that because of the age of the bridge and the nature of the damage great care must be taken so this may cause delay.”