PLANNING officers have come down against widening a flood-damaged bridge which has been shut for more than 18 months after part of it was washed away.

The bridge has been bypassed by a temporary structure while a debate about the future of Creet's Bridge at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, has raged. Petitioners for and against widening have gathered support for the varying options, the pro-widening group gaining more signatures.

The bridge is a Grade II listed structure which crosses Kex Beck.

When members of Harrogate Borough Council's Ripon area planning committee meet on Tuesday, at Pateley Bridge, they are being recommended to object to plans by North Yorkshire County Council to dismantle, re-erect and widen the bridge.

Harrogate Borough Council planning officer Bill McEwan said repair and reconstruction was necessary, but it was the opinion of planning officers that widening would completely alter the character in an unacceptable manner.

Mr McEwan said the need to maintain and restore good road links was not outweighed by the option being proposed.

During flash flooding in November 2000, foundations supporting part of the bridge were severely damaged, forcing its closure.

Harrogate planners have been asked for their comments by North Yorkshire County Council who will make a final decision later.

English Heritage has strongly objected to widening the bridge.