Menu
07/12/2009
Flood Death Bridge Renamed
The death of a policeman swept away in recent floods has been marked by naming a rapidly-built replacement bridge in his name.
Building work has been completed on the new footbridge which is now reuniting a town split in two by heavy flooding last month has been named in honour of the hero policeman swept to his death when a bridge collapsed beneath him.
PC Bill Barker died when Northside Bridge collapsed in heavy flooding.
The new 52-metre Barker Crossing in Workington is named after PC Bill Barker who died directing traffic off Northside Bridge when it collapsed.
The temporary footbridge is the first pedestrianised link across the River Derwent to reconnect the north and south sides of the Cumbrian town.
Previously, residents could only cross the river by boarding a train.
The steel bridge was constructed by the Army and is similar to those built by soldiers in Afghanistan.
Armed Forces minister Bill Rammell MP and schools minister Iain Wright MP also attended the opening alongside Brigadier Bill Aldridge, Commander 42 (North West) Brigade.
Brig Aldridge said: "The Army is delighted to have completed this small but significant part of a much larger and wider effort to help this part of Cumbria get back on its feet after the floods.
"Our soldiers have worked round the clock to get us to where we are today, opening this footbridge on time to meet the morning school run."
The new footbridge is 300m upstream of unusable Calva Bridge, which is currently being assessed for repair or demolition.
Cumbria County Council engineers are assessing potential sites for a new road bridge, but the project might not be completed until next summer.
(BMcC/GK)
Building work has been completed on the new footbridge which is now reuniting a town split in two by heavy flooding last month has been named in honour of the hero policeman swept to his death when a bridge collapsed beneath him.
PC Bill Barker died when Northside Bridge collapsed in heavy flooding.
The new 52-metre Barker Crossing in Workington is named after PC Bill Barker who died directing traffic off Northside Bridge when it collapsed.
The temporary footbridge is the first pedestrianised link across the River Derwent to reconnect the north and south sides of the Cumbrian town.
Previously, residents could only cross the river by boarding a train.
The steel bridge was constructed by the Army and is similar to those built by soldiers in Afghanistan.
Armed Forces minister Bill Rammell MP and schools minister Iain Wright MP also attended the opening alongside Brigadier Bill Aldridge, Commander 42 (North West) Brigade.
Brig Aldridge said: "The Army is delighted to have completed this small but significant part of a much larger and wider effort to help this part of Cumbria get back on its feet after the floods.
"Our soldiers have worked round the clock to get us to where we are today, opening this footbridge on time to meet the morning school run."
The new footbridge is 300m upstream of unusable Calva Bridge, which is currently being assessed for repair or demolition.
Cumbria County Council engineers are assessing potential sites for a new road bridge, but the project might not be completed until next summer.
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 July 2012
CCC Warns Of Dangers Of Cutting Flood Defence Budget
Four times as many homes and firms risk flooding in the next 20 years if the UK does not prepare for climate change, a government advisory panel has warned.
CCC Warns Of Dangers Of Cutting Flood Defence Budget
Four times as many homes and firms risk flooding in the next 20 years if the UK does not prepare for climate change, a government advisory panel has warned.
05 October 2011
Mersey Gateway Bridge Gets Green Light
£470 million of funding for a new bridge across the River Mersey has been approved by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. The new dual three-lane bridge, between Runcorn and Widnes, will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country.
Mersey Gateway Bridge Gets Green Light
£470 million of funding for a new bridge across the River Mersey has been approved by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. The new dual three-lane bridge, between Runcorn and Widnes, will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country.
30 July 2015
Body Recovered In Search For 17-Year-Old
The body of 17-year-old male has been recovered from a canal in Hackney. It is understood that the teenager entered the water near Lea Bridge Road after running away from police on Wednesday afternoon. Police had been searching for the teenager after being called to a report of concern for his welfare.
Body Recovered In Search For 17-Year-Old
The body of 17-year-old male has been recovered from a canal in Hackney. It is understood that the teenager entered the water near Lea Bridge Road after running away from police on Wednesday afternoon. Police had been searching for the teenager after being called to a report of concern for his welfare.
01 July 2015
Body Recovered From Cumbrian River
A body has been recovered from a river in Cumbria following a search for a man missing in the water. At around 4.15pm on Tuesday, police were called to the River Esk at Longtown Bridge, near Carlisle, after receiving reports of a man in difficulties in the water. It is understood the man, aged 32, had just rescued a young girl from the river.
Body Recovered From Cumbrian River
A body has been recovered from a river in Cumbria following a search for a man missing in the water. At around 4.15pm on Tuesday, police were called to the River Esk at Longtown Bridge, near Carlisle, after receiving reports of a man in difficulties in the water. It is understood the man, aged 32, had just rescued a young girl from the river.
28 May 2015
Memorial Service Held For Dibbles Bridge Disaster
A memorial service has been held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Dibbles Bridge Disaster. 33 people died after a coach plunged 16ft off the bridge in North Yorkshire and landed in a garden on 27 May 1975. Only 13 people survived the crash after the brakes on the coach failed. The service was held at 6.
Memorial Service Held For Dibbles Bridge Disaster
A memorial service has been held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Dibbles Bridge Disaster. 33 people died after a coach plunged 16ft off the bridge in North Yorkshire and landed in a garden on 27 May 1975. Only 13 people survived the crash after the brakes on the coach failed. The service was held at 6.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
