A CROWD braved inclement weather to take the first steps across a new £2m bridge in Kendal.

A ceremony was held to mark the occasion on Friday. 

Cllr Andy Connell, chairman of the county council, gave a short speech before children from Stramongate School held a guard of honour for people crossing the bridge for the first time.

Cllr Doug Rathbone, the mayor of Kendal, said: "I thought it was a really good turnout, you never know with these things, and it was a really good feeling from everyone. 

"Everyone was clapping everybody else as they went over the bridge.

"Even at the end, the kids, they said 'look, it's the first dog', and broke into applause."

Cllr Rathbone said a direct connection straight onto Gooseholme was 'one of the great assets of Kendal'.

"Whilst there are bridges either side, it's a really, really convenient, easy place to cross," he said.

READ MORE: Nine-year-old is first Kendal resident to walk over new bridge

"I think a lot of people have missed that connectivity. 

"And now more people can use it, because it's a more widely accessible bridge."

The structure weighs 55 tonnes and spans 42 metres across the River Kent. It was put in place in July.

It is a replacement for a bridge that was damaged during Storm Desmond seven years ago.

MP Tim Farron said: "It's a great bridge. 

"It's very practical, it's functional, it's big, it's much more accessible."

Cllr Keith Little, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, described the bridge opening as a 'significant milestone' in 'reconnecting the local community with parts of Kendal and the park'.

The Westmorland Gazette: The bridge project cost £2mThe bridge project cost £2m (Image: Newsquest)

“I want to thank everyone for attending the event on Friday, it was a fantastic turnout with a great atmosphere  – you could tell everyone was excited to open Gooseholme Bridge and have the opportunity to walk, pedal and ride across the bridge," said Cllr Little.

"Gooseholme Bridge will make a huge difference for its users, providing shared access for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair-users.

"I would like to thank the Kendal community for their patience and support for this project."