Cumbria County Council has welcomed nine-year-old Brodie Lee as the first resident of Kendal, to walk over the new bridge.
During Covid, Brodie, then seven, wrote to the Chief Executive at the time (Katherine Fairclough), asking if Cumbria County Council could build a new bridge.
Throughout the bridge building process, Brodie (and his parents) have been kept up to date with progress, by the county council.
The county council and Story Contracting were delighted to arrange a visit for Brodie and his Mum, so that Brodie could be the first resident to cross the bridge.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “It is great news to hear that Brodie was the first resident to walk over the bridge. This is something he can cherish for a very long time.
“The new bridge will link the local community to parts of Kendal and the park, and I’m sure Brodie and his brother George will be delighted when it opens this Friday – Brodie will be attending the official opening ceremony and will be able to walk across the bridge again!”.
Robin Hicks, Project Manager for Story Contracting, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Brodie and his Mum, and I am happy that he was the first resident of Kendal to walk over the bridge, as he was so eager to see it.”
Gooseholme Bridge will officially open on Friday 14 October, the official opening ceremony starts at 11am.
The new multi-use pedestrian bridge that extends over the River Kent, at Gooseholme, Kendal was lifted into place in July, by Story Contracting, Adey and Baldwins, and will be ready for use by the public from this Friday, after the official opening ceremony.
Cumbria County Council’s £2 million project to replace this footbridge was delivered with the support of Environment Agency, South Lakeland District Council, and Sustrans.
The new bridge is part of walking and cycling charity Sustrans’ £77m programme, supported by the Department for Transport, to enhance the National Cycle Network. Gooseholme Bridge links to our wider plans to improve walking and cycling networks in cities and towns. It is also part of the vision to create a high quality, accessible National Cycle Network across the Lake District, and throughout the UK.
