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Reporter Martin Lindsay has been told councils are struggling to pay soaring repair bills for bridges which are closed or at risk of becoming dangerous. Fixing smaller bridges across the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria will cost £17m in the next year, up £2.5m from the previous 12 months. Residents told the Â鶹Éç they face long detours because of ongoing closures with some resorting to using boats. The Department for Levelling Up said it was increasing funding to councils.