WORKING around the clock for ten days in atrocious weather, the soldiers of 3 Armoured Engineer Squadron (3 AES) from Perham Down completed a 65-metre footbridge to help bring normality to the people of Workington.

Communities either side of the River Derwent were left with no easy access to essential services and amenities when the flood waters destroyed the Northside Bridge and left the Calva Bridge with significant structural damage, rendering it unstable and dangerous.

The bridge's location, 300m upstream of the old Calva Bridge, was chosen at a relatively narrow point of the river where the riverbanks are structurally sound.

“It has been exhausting, challenging and more complex than we had imagined,” said Major Nigel Hindmarsh, Officer Commanding 3 AES.

“We had to keep refining the design working with the Environment Agency to make sure the bridge would withstand the highest imagined flood levels. The local people have been amazingly supportive, keeping us supplied with an endless amount of home made cakes and goodies. A five-year-old even came up with her home made Christmas card, it was pretty humbling.

“The lads have been amazing, it has been round-the-clock work in very difficult conditions, but they have taken a great pride in what they have achieved.” Barker Bridge was officially opened by the local Armed Forces Minister, Bill Rammell, accompanied by local MP Tony Cunningham who thanked and praised the soldiers for a “job well done”. The bridge was named after PC Bill Barker who tragically died in the Workington floods.