CHEPSTOW’S old Wye bridge will remain closed until December, after delays in it’s maintenance.

Originally, the essential works had a completion date for the first week of September but due to various works taking longer than expected a revised programme now reveals an estimated completion date of early December.

The old Wye bridge has been closed for repairs since May this year.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) said: “The original works programme had a completion date of the first week of September and while works are now well underway we have experienced delays with certain items of work taking longer than expected. The main reasons are that scaffold erection took longer than expected and recent inclement weather has hindered the painting progress.

“The contractor has submitted a revised programme with a completion date identified as early December. We have asked the contractor to examine ways of bringing this forward but he believes that this a realistic timescale given his experience on these works.

“We accept that this may not be welcome news for some but these works are essential for the long term stability of this historic structure, especially ahead of the bicentennial celebrations scheduled for the bridge next year.”