MORE than £3 million of investment in Kirkby Stephen to bring the community closer together was celebrated this week with the opening of two new facilities.

Ceremonies for the Local Links community centre and new foot and cycle path, which links the town to the train station, were held in grand style with a community walk and brass band performance.

Joss Warren, from Kirkby Stephen Primary School, and Kodi Elliot, from Ravenstonedale Primary School, helped cut the ribbon to the path after winning a schools competition to name it Station Walk.

Cumbria County Council chairman, John Woolley said: “There has always been a desire to provide a path link between the railway station and the town, probably soon after the station was opened in 1875.

“It is anticipated the route will attract more visitors to Kirkby Stephen using the Settle-Carlisle railway as there is now a safe pedestrian link and it also enables walkers and cyclists better and safer access to other footpaths and cycle routes in the area."

The Local Links centre, housed in the old grammar school, was opened with the unveiling of a plaque.

The county council spent more than £550,000 on restoring the Grade II-listed former school into a new modern facility for the community.

Leader of the council Eddie Martin said: “This project demonstrates real partnership working between ourselves and Eden District Council and Kirkby Stephen Town Council.”