A VITAL West Cumbrian bridge has reopened to traffic this morning, after being closed for almost two months.

The Cocker Bridge in Cockermouth was closed to vehicles following the partial collapse of the adjacent Old Courthouse building.

Work has been completed on a five-metre-high scaffold screening on the side of the bridge and it will re-open to vehicles this morning, December 15.

Traffic is being controlled by traffic lights on either side of the bridge. They will be manually controlled during term time (Monday to Friday) between 8am - 10am and 2pm - 4pm each day. Pedestrian access across the bridge will also be maintained.

Work on the screening started on Tuesday ,December 12.

The work was commissioned by Cumberland Council and was undertaken by their specialist highways engineers.

Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “Following the successful installation of the screening, the Cocker Bridge has now reopened to vehicles. Pedestrian access has been maintained too.

“The safety of bridge users is of paramount importance and the scaffold screening has allowed us to reopen the road to traffic.

“We would like to thank residents for their continued support to local businesses. Please continue to shop and buy local.”

The Cocker bridge was closed to traffic following the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse building. Although the building is privately owned, the council used emergency powers to protect public safety. They initially installed a covered walkway, soon after the building collapse which continues to provide pedestrian access into the town.

Other than two-way lights on either side of the bridge, all other traffic restrictions will be removed following the completion of the works.

The council’s Taste Cumbria event - held last weekend December, 9 and 10 is said to have attracted thousands of visitors to the town, with the event being positioned close to the bridge as a means of supporting local traders.

Agencies - including Natural England, Historic England, the Environment Agency and Cumberland Council - are continuing to assess options for the Old Courthouse site.

The council have said the Old Courthouse is highly complex and a series of issues impact on the options available:

• The site is in private ownership.

• The site is land locked, access to allow any works to be undertaken is challenging.

• The building is Grade II listed and any further works is required to be minimal to protect the fabric of the historic building.

• The River Cocker, adjacent to the site, is part of the River Derwent and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest.

• The impact on waste flows and the protection of flood defences needs careful consideration.

• Any works need to minimise pollution from any debris.