A BUSINESS blighted by flooding has been given fresh hope of seeing the problem permanently removed.

Dalton Bridge – the gateway to the Dalton Industrial Estate near Thirsk – has suffered from flooding problems for many years.

The narrow, stone humpback bridge passes over Cod Beck and when it floods the crossing can be closed for days.

And now Hambleton District Council has allocated £165,000 to help businesses replace the bridge and expand in the future.

The contribution – along with a grant of £30,000 from the Local Enterprise Partnership – will be used to fund detailed investigations and designs for a new bridge.

And the cash opens the door for local businesses to apply for external funding to help pay for the essential work.

Council leader Mark Robson said: “This cash will help kick start the project – seeing it through the design stage so that the businesses can then find the money to deliver the new bridge.

“The access issue is preventing the park from expanding – it has significant potential for growth with its proximity to the A1 /A19 corridor.”

He added: “Dalton is an important business park for Hambleton and our work with the local businesses will create new opportunities both for existing estate residents and new companies looking to trade in the district.”