Cumbria County Council’s Countryside Access Team recently undertook repair and improvement works on Church Street Bridge in Cleator.
The team were able to use recycled materials from the demolished Gooseholme footbridge in Kendal, which was severely damaged during Storm Desmond. Many of the unique ornate cast-iron parapet posts salvaged from Gooseholme footbridge have been adapted to replace defective and unsightly parapets on Church Street Bridge.
The recycled posts are in keeping with the original character of Church Street Bridge, which was built in 1895 by a local firm in nearby Cleator Moor. New guidelines for bridge parapets required an increase in the height of the posts and adding a new rail through the lengthened posts. This work, and the bespoke method of fixing required, was undertaken by Alan Davies of Brunstock Engineering in Carlisle and the full parapet installation was undertaken by the Jackson Consultancy of Gamblesby.
Many of the other materials salvaged from Gooseholme footbridge are in storage and will continue to be used in other projects throughout the county. The county council is investing £1.65m in to replacing Gooseholme footbridge, with works set to commence in early 2020.
