New ramp will improve riverside route for all

After more than six years of waiting, it is now possible to cycle virtually uninterrupted from Denton Holme to Dalston, thanks to the construction of a new ramp near to the Stead McAlpin factory at Cummersdale, officially opening on Tuesday (13 November) at 11am.

Since the Caldew Cycleway was completed early in 2001, cyclists and people with pushchairs have had to contend with a flight of steps linking the "low level" cycleway skirting the Stead McAlpin plant and the "high level" track from Denton Holme. This has also been a barrier to use of the cycleway by those in wheelchairs.

Installation of a replacement ramp has been made possible by the generosity of Story Homes, through a voluntary planning agreement with the City Council, in conjunction with the development of new homes on "McIlmoyle Way," Denton Holme.

Planning permission for construction of the ramp was given with consideration to local wildlife issues with the condition that the works took place outside the breeding season for birds. This meant that construction could not start until after the end of July this year. Due to the nature of the works, the section of cycleway around Stead McAlpin had to be closed, with a temporary diversion in place via Cummersdale village.

Landscaping work is also planned, near to the siting of the ramp.

To mark the completion of the work, an opening ceremony will be held at the site of the ramp on Tuesday (13 November) at 11am. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Local Denton Holme City Councillors Hugh McDevitt, Joan Southward and Paul Atkinson, along with Dalston City Councillor, Trevor Allison and Dexter Routledge, Contract’s Manager for Story Homes will be present at the opening. Members of Carlisle Cycling Campaign will also attend.