MOTORISTS have been warned to keep away from Stamford Bridge after its bridge was damaged.

A tractor with a trailer knocked into the East Yorkshire village's bridge at about 7.15am yesterday. About 20m of the bridge's parapet was broken.

Coun Hilary Saynor, chairwoman of Stamford Bridge Parish Council, said that while the road had remained open, the accident had caused chaos.

She said: "There was a mile-long tailback of traffic. It has been an absolute disaster. My advice to anyone who doesn't live in Stamford Bridge is don't come through the village unless you have to."

She said she expected the repairs to the bridge to take months, as the bridge is listed and English Heritage must be consulted on any repair work which is carried out.

A spokeswoman from East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it had carried out emergency repairs to make the bridge safe for traffic and pedestrians.

But she said there would be some traffic delays as there were now signs and bollards on the bridge to warn motorists to drive carefully.

She said the council had to work with English Heritage before any long-term repairs were carried out.

But she said: "We have already been in contact with people to get the longer term repairs done as soon as possible."

Updated: 10:37 Tuesday, July 01, 2003