Gargrave is open despite the imminent closure of the A65 for roadworks.

The essential £1 million repairs begin on Wednesday but motorists travelling from Skipton will still be able to get into the village and use the main car parks.

In a bid to support traders, highways officials will be placing Gargrave's pink elephant logos on roadwork signs stressing that all the A65 villages are open as usual.

Linda Hartell-Payne, of the Dalesman Caf, Gargrave, said: "The highways people have been trying to accommodate us and have been amazingly helpful."

Many Gargrave businesses will be running special offers throughout the roadworks.

Some drivers have been confused by the array of highways signs, giving different times and lengths of closure. The dates relate to the phasing of the work.

The work will be halted to ensure the A65 is open during the Spring Bank Holiday.

Rebecca Roberts, of the Ewe Tree, Gargrave, said: "The signs are horrendous and people have been confused but I think it must be a first getting highways to stick pink elephants on their signs!"

Throughout the roadworks, which run from May 7 to July 14 drivers will still be able to get into Gargrave from the Skipton side.

However motorists travelling from Settle will not be able to pass through the village until June 5 when traffic lights will be erected.

Motorists from North Craven will also be prevented from driving through Hellifield as roadworks start there on May 15 for seven days. The road will then be open for the Spring Bank Holiday.

Hellifield will once again be closed to through traffic from May 28 until June 7. Roadworks will continue until June 23 but traffic lights will ensure vehicles can pass through the village.

Highways officials say they will work hard to try to ensure the roadworks are completed ahead of schedule.

The bus service will follow the diversion route, along the A59, via Gisburn, and a free shuttle bus will be provided at either side of the closed section of the road.