LOMESHAYE Road Bridge, Nelson, will remain open over the Christmas period to ease congestion in the town.

The bridge was scheduled to be closed over Christmas so that essential maintenance work could be carried out. But work has been postponed until the New Year.

Coun Alan Davies, Pendle Council leader, said: "The bridge is classed as a weak bridge with vehicle weight restrictions of 7.5 tonnes.

"Network Rail have been told that they have to repair the bridge.

"This work will take several months as the bridge will be reinforced and restored to carry all traffic up to the maximum weight of heavy goods vehicles.

"The work has been postponed until the new year so Christmas shoppers can travel to Nelson unrestricted and help ease some of the congestion on the roads over the festive period."

People are also being reminded that it is free to park at Pendle Rise.