A BRIDGE connecting more than 100 people in a rural community to the outside world has been closed to vehicles after damage was caused by Saturday’s downpours - just months after repair work was completed to protect it from future flooding.

One side of Thornhope Beck Bridge near Wolsingham, County Durham, was swept away by the fast-flowing debris-laden water caused by the Saturday morning's downpour.

The bridge is passable on foot but vehicles are unable to cross.

And the only route linking the homes, caravan park and Tunstall Reservoir with the outside world is across fields, a ford and dirt tracks suitable only for 4x4s.

One resident, who asked not to be named, was walking near the bridge when it collapsed.

She said: “There was a hole in the bridge, it got a bit bigger and then there was his enormous crashing noise and part of the bridge had simply disappeared.”

She said residents are keeping their spirits up but urged Durham County Council to install temporary repairs as soon as possible.

“We are all OK for now but it is a concern that vehicles can’t get through, what if we need the emergency services?

“Not being able to travel is also affecting people’s livelihoods so we are all hoping that immediate action will be taken to provide a temporary bridge.

“It’s a bit frustrating because work was only recently done to ensure this sort of thing didn’t happen.”

The council said the 1800s-built bridge, which underwent an upgrade last year, was in good repair but the speed and volume of the water combined with debris being washed downstream is believed to have caused the damage.

Weardale county councillor Anita Savory said: “Hopefully measures will be put in place soon so people aren’t isolated and children can get to school at what is a very important time for scholars.”

The authority is working with police, the fire service, Civil Contingencies Unit and landowners to create another vehicle access.

Adrian White, head of transport and contracts at Durham County Council, said: “We share the frustrations of local people that another significant weather event has damaged a structure and had an impact on the daily lives of many people.

“We will keep all involved fully informed at every stage of the actions we are taking to reinstate normal daily life for all those affected.”