ESSENTIAL repairs will close Tonedale Overbridge during peak hours for up to two months.

Network Rail has started work on Station Road bridge in Wellington which will continue until November 6 at the latest.

A spokesperson from Network Rail said: “Work is programmed to be finished in October, however the road closure is in place between September and November to allow for any unforeseen delays including poor weather.

“Network Rail is expecting to have traffic management in operation between 7.30 - 10am and 3pm - 6pm.

“Outside of these times the road will be fully closed to traffic.

“The road will only be closed during the traffic management periods if absolutely necessary.”

Many council members are not happy with the closure, especially with the lack of communication from Network Rail.

Councillor Andrew Govier said: “I feel incredibly frustrated because I feel I’ve done all I can to mitigate the problems, but we’ve come up against a brick wall as far as Network Rail have been concerned.

“They haven’t listened to what local people will say.

“Many are saying that businesses will close, and it can’t have happened at a worse time on the back of Covid-19.

“If there had been a little more clarity from Network Rail, we could have got to a better position with the closure.

“I completely understand the frustration of all the residents.

“I’ve tried to knock on all the doors, but it seems that network rail has the right to close the road and will do it as they see fit.”