Government should keep their word and reconnect Backbarrow - Farron

12.00.00am GMT Mon 1st Feb 2010

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is calling on the Government to provide funding for a replacement footbridge in Backbarrow over the River Leven.

The footbridge collapsed during the flooding last autumn, and at the same time the road bridge in the village was severely damaged. Local residents now have to drive from one side of the village to the other, and those without cars are effectively stranded and prevented from reaching the village shop and doctors surgery. School children who would normally take just 5 minutes to walk to school have to make the trip by minibus.

The replacement of the bridge is being complicated by the fact that no-one knows who owned it. While it was attached to a United Utilities sewerage pipe, they have said they don't own it, and the local council is in the dark.

Tim said, "We've heard a lot about the work being done to reconnect communities further north in the county, but residents in Backbarrow have heard very little. The missing footbridge and damaged road bridge are causing real hardship to local residents, and is even threatening the viability of the village shop.

"The Government said a lot of positive things just after the floods hit last year. Now is the time for them to keep to their word and help join the community of Backbarrow back together again."