AN HISTORIC railway bridge will be knocked down despite a bid to try and save it from demolition.

Network Rail insist that what is left of a former bridge over the Carlisle to Newcastle line, in the Botcherby area of the city, will be brought down to save money and to reduce the risk of trespass and vandalism.

That’s despite a call from Robert Betton, an independent councillor who represents Botcherby on both the city and county council, to stop its demolition and to conserve the structure.

Work on what’s left of the old bridge, which dates back to the 1800s, was due to start last Sunday with reports of some vehicles moving in ready to start the demolition.

But work did not start as planned, causing confusion among some locals.

Mr Betton has attempted to have the landmark listed with Historic England to prevent its demolition, but his application was turned down. He’s now set about gathering support from the city council and Carlisle’s MP John Stevenson

Despite Mr Betton’s fight, Network Rail says work will still be going ahead, though it has been delayed.

A Network Rail spokeswoman told the News & Star : “The works have been temporarily put on hold while the team finalise the prior notification of proposed demolition with the council.

“Once this is complete the work will be rescheduled.”

The spokeswoman also explained why the bridge, which is only a third of its original length, must go.

She added: “Where a redundant asset is non-designated, nor within a conservation area, our general approach would be to remove the asset to reduce on-going maintenance and inspection costs. Removal also reduces the risk of trespass and vandalism.

“The company is not funded to maintain or restore this type of structure, therefore costs saved can be redirected into operational assets. We do work with heritage railway societies or other similar interest groups, in particular with redundant non-designated signal boxes which can sometimes be relocated, subject to external funding.

“Salvage for reuse in this case is not likely to be an option given the very poor condition of the bridge span. All stone will be reclaimed as it is commutable to other structures for repairs.”

The bridge used to be a vantage point for trainspotters until a large section was pulled down about 20 years ago.