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City centre footbridge shuts after crack found

Federica BedendoNorth East and Cumbria
News imageBBC A metal fence placed in front of the steps leading up to Irish Gate Footbridge in Carlisle, with a sign indicating the footpath is closed.BBC
Cumberland Council said it did not know when the bridge would reopen

A city centre footbridge has been shut after a crack was found in one of its steel supports.

Irish Gate Footbridge, which is known as Millennium Bridge and connects Carlisle Castle to the city centre, has closed with no timescale for its reopening.

Cumberland Council, which is responsible for the bridge, said the structural defect was spotted during a routine inspection.

A council spokesman said: "While the footbridge is currently closed, there is no risk to users of Castle Way, and the road below remains fully open."

They added specialist engineers would assess the damage to determine "the most appropriate next steps", but it was too early to say when it would reopen.

News imageA general view of traffic, including three horses, passing under the Millennium Bridge, with Carlisle Castle in the background.
The bridge connects Carlisle Castle to the city centre

"Public safety remains the council's priority throughout," the spokesman added.

The bridge was built as part of the Carlisle Millennium Project and opened in 2000.

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