Member Article

Region set for Viaduct Vote

A North East landmark is in line for a new lease of life having made the final list of projects competing in a national TV vote this winter. The Belmont Viaduct sits within Durham City and could now be reopened as a pedestrian, cyclist and bridlepath, as part of Durham’s Necklace Park vision.

The Durham County Council project has made the final list of schemes which will form the Connect2 bid for Big Lottery Funds from sustainable transport charity Sustrans. Connect2 is one of the projects competing for a single multi-million pound grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions competition. The project will go head to head with other worthy causes from around the UK and a winner will be decided by public TV vote in Winter 2007/08.

Stephen Psallidas, Sustrans area manager for Durham, said, “This is a great opportunity to improve sustainable transport links in the area, to the benefit of all. People can find out more about the Durham Belmont scheme, and register their support, by visiting our website, www.sustransconnect2.org.uk, or calling the Connect2 information line on 08450 581 373. The more support there is for Connect2, the more likelihood there is that it will be successful.”

Claire Lancaster, Durham Necklace Park Manager, said: “This is fantastic news and now, subject to Big Lottery approval, the region will have the chance to make the project a reality through the TV vote. This is an important part of the 2020 Vision project and one that has excited the people of Durham.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .