This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-19741784

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
A town divided 'is a town united' A town divided 'is a town united'
(35 minutes later)
By Alex Moss BBC News, TadcasterBy Alex Moss BBC News, Tadcaster
Normally Tadcaster's bridge over the River Wharfe would be a busy thoroughfare connecting two halves of the town.Normally Tadcaster's bridge over the River Wharfe would be a busy thoroughfare connecting two halves of the town.
It is the access for public transport, for people attending the doctor's surgery and for shoppers going to Sainsburys.It is the access for public transport, for people attending the doctor's surgery and for shoppers going to Sainsburys.
But on Thursday the town was cut in two parts.But on Thursday the town was cut in two parts.
North Yorkshire County Council has shut the bridge after flooding.North Yorkshire County Council has shut the bridge after flooding.
It is affecting residents in different ways.It is affecting residents in different ways.
Hazel Rose, 70, said: "My daughter lives over the other side and she's been ill but I don't drive so I can't get to see her.Hazel Rose, 70, said: "My daughter lives over the other side and she's been ill but I don't drive so I can't get to see her.
"It's a town in two halves.""It's a town in two halves."
'Half way to York''Half way to York'
Peter Nicholson was unable to make his medical appointment because of the closure.Peter Nicholson was unable to make his medical appointment because of the closure.
"Normally it would take me five minutes to get there, but it would have meant going half way up to York and then coming back on myself to get there," he said."Normally it would take me five minutes to get there, but it would have meant going half way up to York and then coming back on myself to get there," he said.
Lynda Robbins and her son live on different sides of the town.Lynda Robbins and her son live on different sides of the town.
On Wednesday she had to drive 18 miles to see him instead of the normal half-mile drive over the bridge to where he lives.On Wednesday she had to drive 18 miles to see him instead of the normal half-mile drive over the bridge to where he lives.
A previously fenced-off area at the end of the town's disused viaduct has been opened up, meaning that pedestrians are now able to get to both sides of the river.A previously fenced-off area at the end of the town's disused viaduct has been opened up, meaning that pedestrians are now able to get to both sides of the river.
Protect properties
It may mean a 20-minute walk rather than a few minutes, but it is a temporary solution until the road bridge reopens.It may mean a 20-minute walk rather than a few minutes, but it is a temporary solution until the road bridge reopens.
Today Tadcaster is quiet. People are milling around Bridge Street and by the river - coming to inspect the water levels, which earlier measured 2.46m (8.07ft) above normal.Today Tadcaster is quiet. People are milling around Bridge Street and by the river - coming to inspect the water levels, which earlier measured 2.46m (8.07ft) above normal.
Protect properties
Talks centre on when the bridge will reopen. A sign on the bridge says that will not be until 16 October.Talks centre on when the bridge will reopen. A sign on the bridge says that will not be until 16 October.
Emergency services and the Environment Agency were working to protect properties and businesses near the river. Emergency services and the Environment Agency have been working to protect properties and businesses near the river.
The Works Hair and Beauty Salon did not escape unscathed.The Works Hair and Beauty Salon did not escape unscathed.
Owner Debbie Tyrell said: "The drains backed up and water came in downstairs.Owner Debbie Tyrell said: "The drains backed up and water came in downstairs.
"We managed to get things upstairs and we were lucky because it was clean surface water not sewage water."We managed to get things upstairs and we were lucky because it was clean surface water not sewage water.
"The emergency services were brilliant and so were other businesses. Everyone came together.""The emergency services were brilliant and so were other businesses. Everyone came together."
Zoe and Nick Devine, owners of Devine Meats, said there was a "real community spirit".Zoe and Nick Devine, owners of Devine Meats, said there was a "real community spirit".
Mrs Devine said: "It was like a wartime spirit which made a not-great situation bearable."Mrs Devine said: "It was like a wartime spirit which made a not-great situation bearable."