RESIDENTS and motorists will face major disruption with a seven-week closure of Llechryd bridge.

The lengthy closure will run from September 9 until October 27 as essential repair work estimated at £100k is carried out following damage caused during the record flooding brought about by Storm Callum last year.

The bridge, one of the main crossing points over the Teifi, will be completely shut for the most part though Ceredigion County Council is in talks with the contractors to try to ensure it is temporarily reopened at certain times.

The bridge was completely under water during Storm Callum and subsequent structural surveys have revealed it is in need of major work.

County councillor Clive Davies said he was hoping to have answers to the possibility of weekend access and pedestrian access and added that the work could not have been done any sooner as the water levels were too high over the winter and spring for a full structural survey to be carried out.

"I would hope the length of time is an over-estimate just to be sure and hopefully the bridge closure will not be as long," he added.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “Llechryd Bridge suffered extensive damage during Storm Callum in October 2018, and major repair and strengthening works are required to restore the bridge to an acceptable standard and to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity in the longer term.

“Due to the narrow road width over the bridge, it will be necessary to close the bridge for most part of the repair to ensure enough time for the repair materials to properly set and bond before traffic is allowed on the bridge and to ensure safety of both the workforce and the public during the works.

"The repair works are estimated to be in the region of £100k and are being met from the funding provided by Welsh Government to help the council with the costs of response and repair works following Storm Callum.

“The council will be discussing practical ways - including potential temporary/periodic opening of the bridge - to minimise disruption to the general public with the appointed contractor during the pre-start meeting.”