SLATE panels engraved with geese will adorn the new Gooseholme Bridge in Kendal. 

Local artist, Danny Clahane, created two flying geese sculptures for the bridge which are made from Westmorland slate. 

Cumbria County Council (CCC) said that the geese will be 'a significant part of the enhancements planned for the river corridor, by the Environment Agency.'

The Westmorland Gazette: The slate geese will now feature at Gooseholme Bridge The slate geese will now feature at Gooseholme Bridge (Image: Cumbria County Council)

It is one of the art features that will be integrated along the river, along with 'extensive landscaping and planting' planned for the future. 

Danny said: “I began carving stone during my university years when I was able to work with Sculptors Stephen Cox and Glynn Williams on very large projects in granite for the Broadgate, Liverpool Street.

“I now live and work in Kendal, and I am delighted to play a small part in this project and feel very proud to have been able to contribute to it.”

Councillor Keith Little, the CCC member for Highways and Transport said:  “The project teams’ collaboration with Danny Clahane led to the creation of two geese in flight for Gooseholme Bridge, which seems very appropriate.

The Westmorland Gazette: Councillor Keith Little on the bridge Councillor Keith Little on the bridge (Image: Cumbria County Council)

“The fact that these detailed geese art sculptures were created by a Kendal artist makes them even more special.

“This modern art sculpture will be accessible to the local community every time they walk or cycle over the bridge.

READ MORE: Kendal residents witness £2m Gooseholme Bridge project completion

 "I would like to thank Danny for this stunning work of art that will be appreciated by the community for many years to come."

It is one of the final pieces for the £2 million bridge, which opened on Friday, October 14. For the construction of the bridge, Story Contracting Ltd oversaw the installation of the 55-tonne structure in July, one year after work began on it. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The geese at the bridge The geese at the bridge (Image: Cumbria County Council)

The new bridge replaced the old one after it was damaged in Storm Desmond. It has proved divisive, as it is much bigger and wider than the old one to improve accessibility. 

However councillor Peter Thornton said when the bridge was lowered into position: “We designed the bridge in line with the flood prevention scheme which is why it took so long to complete.

“We have built this with a vision to connect Kendal and provide routes for cycling, pedestrians, and people with wheelchairs."