RESTORATION work to a 19-century bridge that has carried a key footpath for 160 years in Kirkby Stephen has begun.

The bridge at Kirkby Stephen East station opened in 1861 connecting the centre of Kirkby Stephen and Ash Fell over the new railway line.

And the structure and the station building survived wholesale demolition after the railway closed in 1962.

Phase one will see repairs to the parapets and wingwalls of the northern abutment, pushed out of line by a large tree which was professionally removed earlier in the year.

This will then be repointed along with the central pier and southern abutment.

Once work is complete, Stainmore Railway Company aim to raise funds for phase two which will involve repairs and repainting of all the metalwork, and replacement of the crumbling concrete footway with long-life timber.

Director of Stainmore Railway Company Mike Thompson said: “Stainmore Railway Company are delighted to see this work begin thanks to the generous support of the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund and Kirkby Stephen Town Council.

“Their support and partnership in this project, which will deliver a long-term benefit to the town, our railway and the visitors who so much enjoy the landscape we all share, is a shining example of the remarkable things which can be achieved when like-minded groups work together for the community.”

The restoration has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme (£3250) via its ‘Love Your Landscape’ grant scheme, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund (£3250) and Kirkby Stephen Town Council (£250).

Stainmore Railway Company will also provide a further £1000 and is contributing volunteer labour.