Fix in sight for bridge 'stuck up like sore thumb'
BBCWork to fix a broken footbridge that has been "stuck up like a sore thumb" for almost 18 months is expected to be completed within weeks, harbour chiefs say.
The structure, on the Elizabeth Dock at Maryport in Cumbria, was designed to be raised to allow boats in and out of the harbour when water levels are high.
However, it has been in an upright position since December 2023 with the town's harbour authority previously saying it would leave it there due to the cost of maintaining it.
The organisation has announced it has received a "verbal offer" of financial support from Cumberland Council to pay for repairs and a contractor has been appointed.
Council leader Mark Fryer said earlier this month: "It's been stuck up in the air like a sore thumb. It needs to come down."
Describing the harbour as one of "the last pieces of the jigsaw" of the town's regeneration efforts, he said the broken bridge was having a significant impact and discouraging people from visiting businesses on the dock.
He has now confirmed to the BBC that the local authority will provide funding for the repairs, although the final cost has yet to be determined.
'Positive developments'
Commenting on the works, the harbour authority said it had received a "comprehensive report outlining a range of hydraulic and electrical issues".
It added: "The estimated costs detailed in the report were significantly beyond the harbour's current financial capacity.
"However, we're pleased to report some positive developments. A verbal offer of financial support has been received to help fund the hydraulic repair work.
"Maryport Harbour has now issued an order for the works to commence, and Forth Engineering is aiming to complete the hydraulic repairs within the next month."
The bridge was built in 2007 and gifted to Maryport Harbour and Marina Ltd by Cumbria County Council.
When it broke, the harbour authority said it was unable to arrange repairs because it had "limited" income from marina berthing, commercial property and pitch fees from a caravan site, and that it had to "prioritise funds".