Last updated at 15:23, Thursday, 01 September 2011

A ceremony was held to officially open a footbridge near Penrith.

Under water: The 2009 floods caused damage in the Penrith area, prompting a three-year recovery programme

The bridge, at Sockbridge, was removed last Christmas after being damaged in the 2009 floods.

It was known as Ironbridge locally and is the only crossing point over the River Eamont for walkers in the area. The new £27,600 structure has been built to sit higher over the river to reduce the risk of it being hit by debris flowing down the river.

Tony Markley, cabinet member for highways with the county council, said they had built flood proofing into the design of the bridge.

“We are now in the second year of the delivery of flood recovery works across the county and I’m pleased to say that we are still on track for delivering all works within the three year target,” he said.

Gary Strong, who cut the ribbon on Wednesday along with local resident Cedric Bell, said: “Ironbridge is a much loved and well used footbridge in the area, and local people are very pleased that it is open once again.

“I’d like to thank Cumbria County Council’s countryside access team and the contractors, Brampton Woodworks, who have both done an invaluable job in delivering this new and improved structure.”

First published at 11:27, Thursday, 01 September 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk