POLICE will be investigating a crash which destroyed part of medieval Bidford Bridge as scaffolding is placed around the medieval structure for repair works.

Warwickshire Police said the inquiry aims to establish the circumstances behind the crash which has led to it being closed for several months while restoration work is carried out.

A large crop sprayer slammed into the side of the bridge in June seriously damaging the stone parapet, spandrel wall and central pier of the ancient monument.

Inspector Julia Brealey, for South Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Following our initial enquiries into last month's collision, the decision has been made for an investigation to be carried out to further ascertain the circumstances behind the collision.”

The closure of the bridge on Honeybourne Road has forced drivers to take detours but pedestrians and cyclists are still able to cross.

Businesses remain open as usual and Bidford-on-Avon Parish Council has opened car parks and put up diversion signs to help people navigate the bridge closure.

Scaffolding placed around the bridge has been designed not to impact on the ancient monument by clamping round the piers and cut-water rather than fixing back into the face of the bridge.

A team of stonemasons will start to 'tool-out' the stone faced elevations in order to rebuild the cut-water using a combination of sandstone and blue lias.

Much like a jigsaw, historic photographs and drawings are being used to rebuild the pattern where possible.

A large amount of stone which has been cleaned and prepared on site, ready for to rebuild the bridge.

Hidden reinforcement detail is also being planned to stitch and tie the stonework in place subject to approval from Historic England.