ONE of the region’s most striking bridges is to close to all vehicles, church leaders have announced.

The 233-year-old Prebends Bridge, which stretches across the River Wear in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, is part of Durham’s World Heritage Site, Grade I-listed and a scheduled ancient monument.

However, the stone bridge, which is owned by the Cathedral, has been damaged by water erosion and placed on English Heritage’s at risk register.

Following a major survey, experts have concluded the structure, which was completed in 1778, is no longer capable of bearing traffic.

Cathedral leaders will hold talks with English Heritage (EH) officials to establish what repairs could be carried out. It will remain open to pedestrians and rowers passing underneath. A full restoration would cost several million pounds.

Philip Davies, Durham Cathedral’s chapter clerk, said: "Now we know the exact condition of the bridge, we can work towards finding a long term solution.

"We are in dialogue with EH and other stakeholders as we consider options for repair. Whatever route is taken there will be a substantial cost."

Carol Pyrah, North East regional director for planning and development at EH, said: "Prebends Bridge is a much loved landmark in Durham and part of the city’s World Heritage Site.

"This Grade I-listed building is on our Heritage at Risk register and because of this EH offered a grant of £88,258 for the essential investigation and urgent repairs.

"We now look forward to working with the Cathedral to identify the long term work needed to maintain the bridge for generations to come."

Prebends Bridge, which was designed by George Nicholson and Robert Mylne to replace a wooden bridge which was washed away in 1771, is usually only used as a footbridge but had previously been open to emergency vehicles and general traffic to help Durham University students move in and out of nearby colleges.

It has been temporarily closed and shrouded in scaffolding since February, to allow for a full structural survey and urgent repairs.

Scaffolding will remain around the bridge until all agreed work is completed.