A CROOKLANDS Bridge is having CCTV cameras installed on it to protect the structure from future damage.

The Turnpike Bridge, number 166, is owned by the Canal & River Trust (C&RT) and provides a route over the Lancaster canal.

It is hoped that cameras will help generate solutions to keep the bridge safe from damage caused by heavy goods vehicles.

The Westmorland Agricultural Society, who own the land, are delighted with the prospect of CCTV, and hope it will provide alternative solutions for maintaining the bridge.

CAMERA: CCTV aims to prevent damage being done to the bridge

CAMERA: CCTV aims to prevent damage being done to the bridge

Chief Executive officer, Christine Knipe said: “We are delighted to support the project and we have agreed, without charge, to have the cameras on our land.

“There’s an old saying; ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you always got.

“Hopefully, the footage will be invaluable for highways groups that control the road to look at alternative solutions to prevent future damage.

“I don’t know if the cameras will prevent damage, but they will provide evidence for experts to look at different ways to maintain the bridge.

BRIDGE: Crookland community excited for CCTV protect on Turnpike

BRIDGE: Crookland community excited for CCTV protect on Turnpike

“We believe the community doesn’t want to see the bridge damaged or have any inconveniences on the road. When the bridge needs repairing, the division routes are very long.

“It is frequently used by very heavy vehicles which over time can cause damage, and they seem to be getting larger.

“As owners of the land we are very pleased to lend our support to this venture.”

Local resident Frank Sanderson said: “Like many old bridges, it was designed and built to carry horse drawn traffic but is now being used by vehicles up to 44tons, which cause constant damage.

“The CCTV cameras will help rectify this unfair situation. Let us hope the various vehicle owners, and authorities, can work together to prevent further damage.

“I think the cameras will be a benefit. It will mean the County Highways will take more responsibility for the damage.

“It will mean the County will eventually shoulder the burden with the best option with access onto the A590. Meantime, cameras will also highlight any damage so insurances companies are more likely to pay.”