RESTORATION work has started on an historic flight of stone steps at Natland Mill Beck Bridge.

The Grade II listed structure on the former Lancaster Canal was built to a standard design by canal system architect John Rennie, and the steps down the side of the bridge link were in urgent need of repair.

Work has involved replacing the original limestone steps with gritstone that will be less slippery. Each step was cut individually to fit the curvature of the bridge. There will also be a new dry-stone parapet wall topped with a metal handrail in the form of a twisted rope, an echo of the days when barges were pulled along by ropes and horses.

Kendal Civic Society has led the project to repair the steps, and helped to pay for the work. South Lakeland District Council, Kendal Town Council, the Inland Waterways Association, the Waterways Trust, Lancaster Canal Trust, and the Friends of the Lake District, have also contributed to the estimated £20,000 cost.

The work on Natland Mill Beck Bridge is part of a programme of canal bridge repairs and improvements planned in Kendal to promote interest in the restoration of the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal.

Cumbria County Council is carrying out £125,000 of improvements to Castle Bridge, linking Parr Street and Sunnyside. The bridge was widened some years ago and work began at the beginning of September to replace the bridge extensions and paint the steel girders to make it look more attractive.

Traffic lights will be operating and the cycle/footway will be closed for safety reasons until the work is completed at the end of October.