BUSINESS owners and commuters will breathe a huge sigh of relief this afternoon, when Sutton Bridge reopens after being closed for six weeks for repair work.

The Grade II* listed bridge, on the B1228 between Elvington and Sutton-Upon-Derwent, was badly damaged by a lorry in January and required extensive restoration.

It was initially closed for four weeks after the accident, meaning businesses in the area have now had to survive two lengthy closures this year.

Tom Fitzpatrick, owner of Elvington Village Stores, said the loss of passing trade had caused a huge slump in takings.

He said: “The past six weeks have been terrible for us. I’ve been running 35 per cent down each week in what is meant to be the best time of the year.

“We’ve been here for 15 years and this has been the worst year for us. We’re just so relieved it is reopening.”

The closure also meant motorists travelling between Sutton and York, and between Elvington and Howden, experienced lengthy diversions.

A spokesman for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the repair programme had taken place in the summer to allow contractors to make the best use of natural light as they worked around the clock to minimise the impact of the closure on the local community.

The bridge will reopen at 4pm, with a temporary width restriction while works are fully completed.