RESIDENTS in Cockermouth are said to be delighted by the re-opening of the Cocker Bridge, with traders looking forward to 'festive fun' over the next few weeks.

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 yesterday, 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.

William Moore, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said: "It is fabulous to see that Cocker Bridge is open to traffic. We know this is the news that our businesses and residents have been waiting for. 

"The Chamber has been in regular discussions with the teams at Cumberland Council and they've kept us in the loop throughout the multi-agency and safety processes that they have needed to follow to get to this stage.

"Now our members can focus on Christmas, see even more footfall though town, and the Chamber can continue spreading the word about what a great place Cockermouth is to eat, drink, shop and explore - without a road closure to hamper the festive fun." 

Work on the screening started on Tuesday ,December 12, being 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.”

Residents in the town are said to be delighted that the two sides of the town are now re-united, following the re-opening.

Cumberland councillor for Cockermouth north, Helen Tucker said: "It's amazing news for the town, with the bridge being closed the people on that side of the town have effectively been cut off from Main Street and the shops and banks.

"One of my main concerns was trying to get the bridge opened as soon as possible, but also safely.

"The two parts of the town being reconnected can only be good news for everyone really."

Other than two-way lights on either side of the bridge, all other traffic restrictions will be removed following the completion of the works, including the temporary walk way that was constructed shortly after the collapse.