Yorkshire Water have' thanked Monktoners for their patience' over the series of road closures and last minute cancellations of planned closures related to work at the Lamb and Flag site.

The work, to connect the five new homes on the site of the former pub, was finally completed this week at the seventh time of trying. The road closures have meant considerable disruption involving diversions via the ford or by much longer routes.

Two days ago the landlord of the Masons, Gary Cross, was highly critical of YW over the matter and described the company as 'not fit for purpose'.

We asked Yorkshire Water to respond and they gave us this statement:-

“Last minute postponements, whilst frustrating and inconvenient, are not something that we do lightly and are often due to circumstances beyond our control. They are not in place to inconvenience anyone but to ensure that work can be carried out in complete safety for both operatives and road users alike.

“We have faced significant challenges to the start of the year due to extreme weather conditions and staff shortages because of illness. When this is the case, we have to prioritise resources accordingly to where there is the greatest need.

“We would like to thank the residents and businesses of Bishop Monkton for their patience whilst this work was undertaken.”