CALLS have been made to start work to reopen a village road which has been closed for more than seven months after a riverside wall partially collapsed during heavy rainfall.

Residents and visitors to Barrow Bridge have had no through route since last August since a river retaining wall was damaged amid heavy rain and rising water.

The issue is causing a problem for those who live in the village, including longer journeys as both directions of Barrow Bridge road is shut.

The road is closed near a sharp bend on the road close to Dean Brook and Dakins Brook and a footpath known as ‘the 63 steps’.

Cllr Garry Veevers, said: “It’s now been closed to vehicles for seven months after heavy rain and rising water levels caused a substantial collapse of the retaining wall by the river.

“There are bulges in other parts of the wall suggesting it may fail again.

“Localised patching will not do as it will mean the road opening and closing as collapses occur.

“What is needed is a full, comprehensive reconstruction.

“You will also be aware that other areas of potential collapse have since been identified, meaning the whole retaining wall needs reconstruction.

“I understand that a comprehensive scheme has been prepared for doing this.

“This is the second time the road has been closed and I’m told many people are out of pocket and face considerable additional time on their daily commute.

“Can the executive cabinet member please assure residents that work will start at an early date, using some of the council’s reserves if necessary? Can he also confirm my view that years of chronic underfunding by government is one major reason for the poor condition of this road and the considerable inconvenience suffered by residents?”

Cabinet member Cllr Stuart Haslam said: “Of course I do sympathise with those affected.

“Work will commence as soon as funding is released. Estimates of cost to fix the section damaged is around £110,000 and that is likely to increase even further. There are a number of schemes across the borough and we have a limited budget. All funding options are being explored. I can assure you that the design work for this project is at a very advanced stage.”