A BRIDGE in South Lakeland reopened yesterday after reportedly causing “mayhem” for the month it was closed.

Millthrop Bridge, which lies over the River Rawthey near Sedbergh, closed following an impact with a heavy goods vehicle on October 14.

A diversion was put in place along the A684 while repairs could take place.

According to Millthrop resident Stephen Hoggarth, the closure caused “mayhem” for locals, with people travelling through the village to access the diversion.

Prior to the reopening, he said: “It’s causing massive problems with speeding cars through Millthrop.

“The lanes themselves are just a big mess. There is road rage going on, shouting and screaming.”

Mr Hoggarth added he was concerned somebody was going to get injured, and said the bridge would have been reopened quicker if Cumbria County Council (CCC) had contributed more staff to repairs.

A CCC spokesman said: “Millthrop Bridge was damaged on October 14 following an impact by a HGV. The road was subsequently closed to traffic for safety reasons as the impact significantly damaged a large section of parapet wall.

“Initial inspections concluded that the bridge would need to remain closed for several months to complete repairs.”

He added that, following “extensive work” with contractors on-site, as well as work in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Environment Agency, the bridge was reopened sooner than expected.