PLANS to widen a flood-damaged bridge are likely to be turned down by North Yorkshire county councillors.

Creet's Bridge, a Grade II listed structure at the Ripon entrance to Kirkby Malzeard, has been shut since November 2000 when floods washed part of it away.

Since then, argument has raged about whether it should be widened or just repaired.

About 300 people have signed a petition in support of widening the bridge, saying it is a relic from the horse and cart era and needs to cope with modern-day traffic.

Meanwhile, more than 60 people have backed plans to restore the bridge, saying its narrowness acts as a form of traffic-calming.

When members of the North Yorkshire planning committee meet next week they will be recommended to turn down the widening scheme.

English Heritage, the Council for British Archaeology, Ancient Monuments Society and North Yorkshire heritage unit have all objected to the widening.

Planning officer Eric Matthews said the planning department was recommending that widening did not go ahead because it conflicted with council policies and Government guidance.

He also said it was unlikely that Local Government Minister Stephen Byers would grant permission for increasing the width of the bridge.

Earlier, North Yorkshire County Council's cabinet backed widening, along with area councillors and parish councils at Kirkby and nearby Azerley.