BOATMEN at Whitby are calling for changes to the opening times of the swing bridge across the harbour, because they claim the present system is a "nightmare".

Whitby Boating Association is appealing to Scarborough Borough Council over the issue.

The 85-year-old bridge links the two sides of Whitby, over the River Esk and upper harbour.

Association chairwoman Brigette Prudom said: "We have been inundated with requests from our members, and owners of visiting vessels, for the bridge opening times to be extended longer than the two hours either side of high water in the summer months.

"Whitby yachtsmen and motor boatmen are sick of wasted summer days being spent on the marina or in the outer harbour."

She said that if a boat missed the opening time at 9am it had to wait eight hours, which ruled out any chance of sailing that day.

She said boat owners paid an average of £1,000 in harbour dues and mooring fees.

Keith Allen, Scarborough council's head of harbour and engineering services, said the issue had been discussed by the Whitby harbour users' group.

"The majority of its member organisations seem satisfied with the present opening times," he said.

Mr Allen believed that extra opening times would lead to fishermen and the cargo trade being inconvenienced, but said he was happy to discuss the issue further with the boating association.