A new bridge for walkers and cyclists over the River Roch at Gigg Lane has officially opened.

The 41-metre Roch Valley Greenway Crossing will provide a much-needed link after the closure of an existing privately owned bridge that had fallen into disrepair.

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The bridge, near Redmere Drive, has been funded thanks to £1.1m from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

The bridge will provide direct access to Pilsworth Industrial Estate, connect to the Roch Valley Greenway and will join up a network of active travel connections between Bury town centre and the Fishpool and Gigg residential areas.

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The structure also provides light vehicular access to the local fishery.

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations at the council, said: “I was delighted to open the new bridge, which will restore the foot/cycle link between Bury and the existing and forthcoming employment areas at Pilsworth.

“It’s the only bridge over the Roch between Heap Bridge and White Brow/Blackford Bridge, and we expect it to be well used.”

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The new bridge is part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated London-style transport system.

The Bee Network will include the UK’s largest cycling and walking network, connecting every area and community in Greater Manchester with 1,800 miles of safe routes and 2,400 new crossings.

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