15/7/2010 - Maryport footbridge opens

A new footbridge providing improved connections and access to open space recreation areas in Maryport is now open to the public.

A £275,000 single-span pedestrian bridge near the Wave Centre taking people across the River Ellen opened this week.

The scheme, which has been delivered by Cumbria County Council and funded by land reclamation money from the Northwest Regional Devlopment Agency (NWDA), is aimed at linking Mote Hill, the Maryport coastal park and the Ellen corridor –three sites that have undergone recent county council regeneration activity. 

The 24-tonne bridge was lifted into place by a large crane last week and connects Maryport town with the harbour via a pathway from Furnace Lane down Mote Hill.

Councillor Tony Markley, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: "This bridge is an important link in the wider regeneration work we’ve been carrying out in Maryport to improve access and open up an area to the public that they can use as a leisure resource.

"I’m delighted the bridge is now in place and it will give more people more of a chance to get out and about in this part of the west Cumbrian coast."

Media enquiries to media officer John Ballard on 01228 226330.