Article from the Cumberland News
The leader of Carlisle City Council has indicated that significant progress could be on the horizon on the efforts to reopen the Waverley Viaduct, a long hoped-for project in the city.
Efforts have been ongoing for more than a decade to reopen Carlisle’s Waverley Viaduct as a footpath, and ultimately a cycle path.
The bridge, which runs over the River Eden, formerly carried the Edinburgh to Carlisle Waverley line, which was closed in 1969.
The viaduct was used for many years as an unofficial footpath until it was closed due to safety concerns, leading to calls from campaigners to reopen it as a footpath.
In recent years the Carlisle Waverley Viaduct Trust has spearheaded efforts to achieve this, but has faced both funding and legal obstacles, which were set to potentially require a footpath creation order to be put in place.
Carlisle City Council’s Conservative leader, John Mallinson, has been one of a number of councillors to express support for the project in recent years.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the city council, he indicated to members that progress on the ongoing issues surrounding the scheme could be on the horizon.
Mr Mallinson explained that he had met last with a representative from Railway Paths Ltd, a national charity that owns and manages a portfolio of former railway land in order to provide roads and paths suitable for walking, cycling, horse riding and wheelchair use.
Describing it as an “interesting talk”, Mr Mallinson said it appears that Railway Paths Ltd “is in a position to hold the title of the bridge, in support of the trust and to provide them with advice and assistance towards fundraising activities.
“He is entering talks with the [Waverley Viaduct] Trust, and it could resolve the issue of ownership, and probably some assistance towards the fundraising.”
Mr Mallinson said he “reiterated the council’s support that we have promised in the past” to the charity.
