Residents have welcomed a new pedestrian and cycle bridge which was lowered into place last night, connecting two Carlisle communities.

Currock Bridge, which spans the railway line to link with Denton Holme, was finally installed late last night as a crowd of curious locals gathered to watch the operation.

Due to be officially opened in September, the pale green bridge was immediately unanimously recognised as a good idea.

“A lot of my family enjoy cycling over to Dalston, and at the minute they have to go along Currock Road,” said 22-year-old Tayler Bushby as he looked at the new bridge.

“It's welcome.

"It's good to see investment coming back into the community.”

His comments were typical of those made by residents.

Hayley Carr's home in Lund Crescent is right next to the bridge.

She said: “I don't often go to Denton Holme but I know a lot of people who do so it will be better for them. The workmen [from Story Group] were really good and kept us informed.

“But I'm not sure about the bridge's colour!”

Cumbria County Council Leader Stewart Young said today: “Anything would be better than the current bridge that links to Denton Holme, which has been there for well over 100 years and which doesn't have multi-user access.

“There are steps on one side.

“The new bridge was specifically designed and put where it is so it can be used people in wheelchairs and people with prams, and on bikes. There's also lighting.”

The new bridge is part of a £7.8m transport investment in the county, which is also paying for projects in Maryport and Workington. All of the work has been carried out by Cumbrian firms, helping to boost the local economy, said Mr Young.