Duck Bridge is an English Heritage scheduled ancient monument which has recently been undergoing a number of repairs including rebuilding the buttresses.

The repairs have included resurfacing it with a black asphalt type material and it is the colour of the material that has roused the indignation of the councillors.

Coun Linda Grout of Danby Group Parish Council said: "I don't think a motorway surface is suitable for a 13th Century bridge – they'll be putting in white lines next."

The bridge is on Lord Downe's Dawnay estate but is regarded as part of the public highway and is therefore maintained by North Yorkshire County Council Highways' department.

Dawnay estate agent Robert Sword said: "We had no prior warning of the work but I think the actual finish is somewhat unfortunate and it would be nice if it were toned down."

County and borough councillor Herbert Tindall said he is also fuming about the way the bridge has been resurfaced.

He said: "I feel quite angry about it.

"A lot of people are totally amazed at the Tarmac cover they have put on it.

"It used to have a proper road surface on it that looked okay but just a plain black strip of Tarmac looks a bit ridiculous and out of place.

"Duck Bridge was built in the late 13th Century.

"It was built for packhorses to get over the River Esk.

"They used to come from Whitby to Danby Castle. It was rebuilt by the Duck family in the 18th Century."

Coun Tindall said the contractors did contact him to see what material he could suggest they use and he advised them to contact English Heritage.

Coun Tindall added: "I'm surprised this is what we have finished up with. I appreciate they were going to tidy it up.

"Let's face it, it's a very important old bridge. It doesn't look in place at all. The locals are very disappointed that they have done that.

"I had a meeting with English Heritage at Dalby Forest as I sit on the county council's heritage and environment committee.

"They were a bit taken aback."

English Heritage inspector Keith Emerick said the resurfacing did not require a specification needing their approval as did the other repair work being carried out.

But he said: "I'll be happy to go out and have a look at it."

A county council spokesman said immediate essential maintenance and repair work has been carried out to ensure the safety of the bridge for pedestrians.

The bridge was tidied and existing Tarmac was renewed.

He said: "The county council is aware of the age of the bridge and will, as always, make sure sensitive maintenance is carried out in the long-term to protect the structure of the bridge."