Party planned to mark opening of Weymouth's new bridge (From Dorset Echo)

Party planned to mark opening of Weymouth's new bridge

1:30pm Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Local News By Martin Lea

A FAMILY fun day is being held to mark the official opening of a new bridge in Wey-mouth.

Residents and community groups are invited to celebrate the opening of the new Newstead Road walking and cycling bridge this Sunday.

The bridge fills a 25-year gap giving people access to a network of walking and cycling routes.

The £835,000 scheme was funded by Sustrans with a Big Lottery Fund grant, Dorset County Council and the Olympic Delivery Authority following an application for Connect2 funding.

The bridge opened earlier this year but will gets its official launch this weekend. To celebrate, a community event is planned, running from 11am to 3pm at the Marsh, next to Weymouth outdoor education centre.

Various activities will be running including bike craft sessions, a treasure hunt and Dr Bike – where riders can get their bikes checked over by experts. Stunt bike displays will take place at 11.30am and 2pm.

The bridge will be opened at 1pm by schoolchildren supported by others including cycling author Josie Dew.

County council chairman John Wilson said: “This event marks the culmination of four years’ work by Dorset County Council in partnership with Sustrans and various local groups to create an impressive centrepiece for the Rodwell Trail. The new shared pedestrian and cycle paths will benefit all ages and abilities.

“I’d like to thank the many community groups for their very helpful input and especially the Cyclists’ Touring Club West Dorset and the Dorset Cyclists’ Network.”

Sustrans’ area manager for Dorset Kevin Humphreys said: “Walking and cycling for everyday journeys is great for our health.”

On yer bike

Guided cycle rides from various locations across the borough run from 11.15am to noon, with riders all meeting on the bridge at 1pm for the official opening.

• Dorchester ride via Mount Pleasant Park & Ride (14km) meet at Sports Pavilion, Sawmills Lane, Dorchester at 11.15am, then Mount Pleasant Park & Ride Bus Shelter 12.10pm

• Chickerell ride (4.8km) meet at Willowbed Hall noon

• Chesil Beach ride (5km), meet at Chesil Beach Visitors Centre noon

• Preston Beach ride (5.3km) meet at Preston Beach Oasis Café 11.45am