AN ANCIENT structure is to be closed off for the foreseeable future as repairs to the damaged bridge get under way.

Llandrinio Bridge, on the B4393 Four Crosses to Ford, road is a major three span bridge and a listed/ancient monument.

Some of the bridge’s key stones have dropped out from one of its arches and it has been reported as having “major structural damage” following an inspection.

Concrete barriers are being arranged to physically stop vehicles from crossing the bridge and a permanent diversion is being arranged.

An emergency closure is also being created.

Cllr John Brunt, portfolio holder for highways, said: "The recent bad weather has caused some damage to the bridge with loss of stone work. With the high river levels it has not been possible for engineers to carry out a full inspection.

“Once water levels drop we will carry out a full check. Until then the bridge has been closed. I appreciate the inconvenience this will cause for users of that route but my main priority is the safety of everyone using the bridge.

“Once we have a full picture of the damage any works required will be included in our works programme."

Information on the Llandrinio Village website describes the hump-backed, pink sandstone-built bridge as a Grade I Listed Ancient Monument which was constructed in 1775 following the Montgomeryshire Turnpike Act of 1769.

It was the first stone bridge to be built on the River Severn between its source and Shrewsbury and was strengthened to carry modern traffic in 1977.

The bridge is 132 feet across and is spanned by three semi-circular arches.

It is flanked at either end by two pairs of concrete pillars constructed during the Second World War when the threat of invasion was at its highest.

The blocks were positioned to act as tank traps and intended to impede progress over strategic river crossings.

There is also a pillbox fortification adjacent to the block situated nearest to the Boat House.

A Powys County Council spokesman said: “The bridge will need to be closed for the foreseeable future.

“Once the flood recedes further inspections will be carried out to determine the extent of the damage and what repairs will be required.”