Footbridges restore countryside walk access

21 hours ago

Replacing the larger bridge was a particular challenge due to the site's location

Westmorland and Furness Counci A wooden footbridge with stone steps spanning a small river in full flow. The scene is wintry with a background of woodland with leafless trees. — Replacing the larger bridge was a particular challenge due to the site's location

Access has been restored to a countryside walk for the first time in four years after three footbridges were replaced.

Two of the wooden structures over becks on a bridleway in Swindale Wood, near Brough in Cumbria, had been washed away or damaged in floods and another was rotten.

Westmorland and Furness Council described the work as challenging due to the nature and location of the sites near an area of Special Scientific Interest.

The larger bridge was down a steep bank so a helicopter was used, with the lift timed for winter when there were no leaves on the trees and to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

The cost of the structures and their installation, amounting to £52,270, was met by the council's structures capital public rights of way budget and its sustainable travel fund.

A helicopter lift had to be carefully timed due to weather conditions

Westmorland and Furness Council View looking up at a helicopter with a dangling cable which has just been used to deposit three long pieces of timber - part of a bridge - at a woodland site. Two workmen in high visibility jackets are holding the end of the cable, with another one next to the timber. Behind them is a bank containing leafless trees. — A helicopter lift had to be carefully timed due to weather conditions

Councillor John Murray, cabinet member for transport and regulatory services, which includes public rights of way and countryside access, said: "This project faced many problems, not least of all caused by the location.

"But, working with the community, landowners and suppliers, the team has made it happen and I am delighted that this beautiful area is accessible again."

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