The 193-year-old bridge is to be dismantled so its components can be assessed before it is rebuilt.

Whorlton Bridge has been closed for repairs since 2019 leaving residents facing diversions.

Residents face detours or even having to use boats to cross rivers because of bridge closures.

They are given suspended sentences after BBC Panorama exposed their actions in an undercover film.

Judge Chris Smith said Whorlton Hall was an “unpredictable and inherently frightening place to live”.

Staff at Whorlton Hall were prosecuted after their behaviour was exposed in a BBC Panorama film.

Lawyers for nine former workers accused of ill treating patients say staff right not to be robots.

Nine former workers are accused of ill-treating patients by mocking and teasing them.