New gateway feature put in place

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 29 April 2009)

A make-over of one of Carlisle’s lonnings has gone full steam ahead.

Engine Lonning, off Harvey Street in the West of Carlisle, has had significant investment in new footpaths, cycleways and fencing in addition to volunteers undertaking a recent clean-up. To mark the end of the work a new railway themed gateway feature has been installed.

Carlisle City Council’s countryside section has been working alongside the Friends of Engine Lonning to improve the access to the site and local artist Chris Brammall was commissioned to design a new entrance. This was funded by Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust, Castle Ward Neighbourhood Forum and the Carlisle & Eden Crime and Disorder Reduction Disorder Partnership.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:

“The Friends of Engine Lonning wanted a design that would replace the old entrance gate with a feature that reflected the area’s railway heritage but that was visually stimulating and promoted the lonning to the local and wider community. This design has met these needs and the group wants to pass on their thanks all of the funding partners who have contributed to the success of this project.”

The gate was fitted last week (Tuesday, 21 April) and follows on from some recent enhancement works. Over the last few months, Carlisle City Council, the Friends of Engine Lonning group, the Community Payback Team, Adult Day Services (Cumbria Care) and The British Trust For Conservation Volunteers have all worked hard to improve the look of Engine Lonning and its surrounding area. This has included litter picking, removing old fencing and other general maintenance works.

The Friends of Engine Lonning are always looking for new members. Residents who would like to get involved with Environmental projects and have their say in Engine Lonning and the wider area are asked to come along to the next meeting. This will take place on Wednesday, 20 May, at 6pm, at Newtown School (Bardsley Street entrance). All new members will be made very welcome.