Name for new £4.2m footbridge over canal announced

Erewash Borough Council has announced a new £4.2m footbridge in Long Eaton will be named West Park Bridge.

The new footbridge across the Erewash Canal will link the town centre and West Park, replacing its predecessor which closed in November after being in place for almost a century.

A shortlist was drawn up from public suggestions before the Long Eaton Town Deal Board held a vote. Other potential names, the council said, included ones paying tribute to the town's history as a centre for lacemaking.

Richard Ledger, who chairs the board, said there were a lot of "great suggestions", but added: "It was clear that most people wanted something plain and simple - so West Park Bridge it is."

The bridge - which will officially open in September - is one of two new footway and cycle crossings over the canal, the Labour-run authority said.

A footbridge and cycleway - situated close to Bennett Street and Canal Street - opened in June.

Council leader James Dawson said the new West Park Bridge was "truly magnificent".

The new bridge at Broad Street is part of the Long Eaton Town Deal Walking and Cycling project - with elements of the bridge inspired by wedding lace made in the nearby Harrington Mills.

The scheme is part of Long Eaton's £25m Town Deal, which was announced in 2021 and will see several regeneration projects funded by the government.

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