BURNESIDE residents held a special party to celebrate the long-awaited completion of repairs to the village’s Ford Bridge.

The structure was re-opened to the public on Saturday, June 1, and to mark the day, the community put on a party, with music, bouncy castles and fun family activities.

Resident Gayle Howarth, the chair of the Burneside Residents’ Parish Association (BRPA), wanted to thank everyone who gave their time to make the special event possible.

“The day was absolutely brilliant,” she said. “There was lots of hard work done to make it happen but everyone pulled off a bridge opening to be proud of.”

The bridge was severely damaged by Storm Desmond in 2015 and was closed in 2017 due to further deterioration.

Cumbria County Council (CCC) invested £1.5m in the project to replace the structure.

The county council managed the project as part of its £120m Infrastructure Recovery Programme.

“I fully appreciate the closure of the bridge has had a significant impact on the local community,” said Cllr Keith Little the CCC Cabinet member for Highways and Transport. “I’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding during what’s been a difficult period.”