School children asked to help rename new footbridge in Kendal

Cumbria County Council are working with Story Contracting to ask school pupils what they think the new Gooseholme footbridge should be called.

Story Contracting organised STEM sessions (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at Stramongate Primary School, in which they shared information with the students about the bridge, a brief history of it, and how it will be constructed.

The pupils were given the opportunity to build their own bridge using straws, masking tape, and elastic bands, so the pupils could learn about the strongest shapes used to construct bridges.

Afterwards, the pupils were asked what they would like to call the bridge. Amongst the names suggested was ‘Jubilee Bridge’. This is in keeping with Kendal Town Council’s (KTC) Christmas Lights and Festivals Committee who have also suggested to the council to change the name to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee.

The county council is now asking the people to have their say, on the future name of the footbridge. The shortlisted suggestions are:

•         Gooseholme Bridge

•         Jubilee Bridge

•         The Kent Bridge

To have your say, please vote online at https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/gooseholme/project.asp, which will close on Thursday 14 July at midnight.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:

“It was a pleasure to work with Story’s who included local children from Stramongate Primary School in this project. I would like to thank both students and school staff for their contributions and help. 

Pupils showing a possible bridge name

STEM Session

“It’s a wonderful way to teach the children about construction in a fun way and also to ask them to name the bridge and be part of the legacy for the future of the town.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what the public’s favourite name will be. Voting will be open until 14 July.

“I would like to once again thank the local community for their support and patience while this work is carried out”.

Alan Boyle, Construction Director for Story Contracting, said:

“As a business we are committed to inspiring the next generation of young engineers into our industry. Therefore, we are delighted to have been able to engage with Stramongate Primary School as part of the Gooseholme footbridge project.

“It was great that we were able to give the pupils an insight into the project and involve them in the potential renaming of the bridge.

“Our works for Cumbria County Council are progressing well and we are looking forward to completing the replacement of this vital piece of infrastructure for the Kendal community later this autumn.”

For more information about this project please go to: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/gooseholme/project.asp