'It's a symbol of our village' - Victorian bridge reinstalled after public fight
BBCA Victorian footbridge, described as "the heart of the village", has been reinstalled in Castlerock years after it was removed for repair work.
The bridge, which has spanned the train tracks since the 19th century, was removed for repair work and placed in storage in 2017 at a cost of £730,000.
Nine years later it has been returned to its rightful home following a campaign by local people.
Kurt Leege said residents are "delighted" it has returned. "When it was taken away people were very upset," he said. "The community fought hard for its return and it's great to see it back."
"Castlerock just wouldn't be the same without it. It's a symbol of our village."
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council told BBC News NI work over the past nine years cost a total of £730,000 plus VAT, but declined to comment on why the process took so long.
Seren, aged 10, said: "The bridge is a big part of where I live and we are glad it's back.
"Children were always seen waving from the top of bridge. It's great that I'll now be able to do that."
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Oliver McMullan, told BBC News NI "council has worked hard in its investment to bring this important piece of history back".
"It's going to be a big tourist draw," said McMullan. "There aren't many bridges like this left. Council will optimise everything here and from the investment they put into it they will certainly draw out of it."
Temporary bridge was an 'awful eyesore'
The wrought iron structure was replaced temporarily by a rusty bridge which was described by local people and tourists as an "awful eyesore".
Resident and local historian Geoff Warke said: "I remember the old steam trains operating and have vivid memories of the trains going below this beautiful Victorian bridge.
"Children always waved from the bridge and it pleases me immensely that the same thing will be able to happen again.
"I know it's likely to have cost a substantial amount of money but what I would say is it is valued a lot by the people of Castlerock. It's great to be getting rid of the temporary bridge which was an awful eyesore."
Footage of the bridge being reinstalled was shared on social media with hundreds of people commenting about their memories.
Luke Smyth, who owns a hostel beside the bridge, said people from all over Northern Ireland and beyond talk about the significance of the bridge.
"We filmed the process of the bridge being reinstalled and it got such a big reach on social media with people sharing their memories from years ago.
"The contractors lowered the bridge in at nighttime and it was all done remarkably quick. We hope it draws more and more people to the area."
While the Victorian footbridge spent years in pieces being repaired, it has now returned as a solid symbol of Castlerock's identity—future-proofed for another hundred years.
