ESSENTIAL work on a bridge has been held up by an unexpected delivery.

Strengthening work on Little Ayton bridge, near Stokesley, was due to last ten weeks but may now be delayed for a further three weeks after a grey wagtail decided to make the bridge its nesting site.

North Yorkshire County Council conservationists predict it will take that long for the wagtail and her six chicks to move on.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act forbids the disturbance of any nesting birds, so workmen are being careful not to impose on the nest and are attempting to complete other minor work until nature takes its course and the birds fly on.

This is the second time work on the bridge has been delayed by wildlife. The work was originally planned to start in March but was postponed because of the bridge's proximity to a trout spawning area of the River Leven.

Whitby firm Wilf Noble Construction is carrying out the work, which will allow the current 7.5 tonnes weight restriction to be removed enabling access for heavier vehicles.

A temporary bridge has been installed for pedestrians and a vehicle diversion is signed.

Coun Peter Sowray, the county council's executive member for environmental services, said: "The county council has experienced some set-backs with the strengthening work on Little Ayton bridge. We hope that members of the public will understand that the delays are not of our making. While nature takes its course our contractors are working on other aspects of the job.

"The temporary bridge provides an adequate crossing and the fully strengthened bridge should be operational by the middle of August."