There seems to be a large degree of support for building new bridges in Cumbria. Would it be beyond the realms of possibility to institute a world wide competition to submit designs for the type of stunning architectural constructions that would not only provide pragmatic solutions to our problem but would enhance the awesome natural beauty of the environment?

I'm sure the world's best architects would jump at the chance to design for this magnificent place.

There is a very real danger we will be landed with more temporary bridges which will, in time, become the new breed of forgotten crossings, like the bridge at Langwathby.

It is difficult to imagine tourists will flock to a Cumbria/Lake District that is crossed by bridges reminiscent of the allies trying to cross the Rhine in WW2. Of course temporary crossings will need to be constructed but they must be temporary and not serve as rotting reminders that far from the funds of Westminster we are merely the forgotten and worthless North.

If we don't shout loudly our voices will be drowned by metropolitan demands for funds to increase wi-fi coverage on the Underground and for that preposterous garden bridge they want to build across the Thames.

Beautiful, modern bridges in Cumbria will not only be practical, they will be an attraction in their own right.

No doubt there will be objections from the numerous groups who seek to preserve the Lake District as a kind of Wordsworthian, Beatrix Potter theme park. But we need to remember Cumbria was an industrial landscape before it was converted into the romantic tourist vision people think of today.

The roads and bridges that have been demolished were built to facilitate trade, not to provide an itinerant tourist with a photo opportunity while the locals struggle to go about their daily business. With super new bridges we could have the best of all worlds and revitalise the economy of this amazing place.

Shaun M. Silson

Penrith