The lift bridge close to Twelve Quays ferry terminal, which links Birkenhead and Wallasey, will be closed this weekend to allow engineers to carry out repairs ahead of major works scheduled early next year.

The "A" bridge on Tower Road will be closed this Saturday and Sunday December 10 and December 11, to allow the works to be carried out.

Motorists will instead be diverted over Duke Street bridge for this weekend. Signs showing the diversion routes will be in place.

A four-week major repair programme on the lift bridge is scheduled to begin – weather-permitting – immediately after the New Year when motorists will again have to divert to the Duke Street crossing.

A Wirral Council spokesman said: “We apologise for having to close the bridge this weekend at such short notice and we regret the inconvenience it will cause.

"However, the works are necessary to allow the bridge to continue to be used safely until the full programme of repairs, which is planned to begin the first week in January, can take place.”