DARLINGTON’S rich industrial heritage is being celebrated with cleaner ways to travel following the completion of a cycle route centred on a globally-significant monument.

The Skerne Bridge, the world’s oldest working railway bridge, is the centrepiece of a cycle path network connecting Rockwell Nature Reserve and Haughton via the town centre.

The pathway for cyclists and walkers now leads from Darlington along Valley Street before joining the River Skerne at John Street, off Northgate.

The riverside stretch was created specifically to incorporate the bridge that is a Scheduled Monument and appeared on the UK’s £5 note in the early 1990s after becoming obscured from view over the decades.

Cyclists can now travel along the length of the Skerne to the Rockwell Nature Reserve and the Haughton area from town or follow signs to the Harrowgate Hill cycle route network and go off-road for Newton Aycliffe.

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for transport for Darlington Borough Council, said: “The improvements offer a safe well-lit route for walkers and cyclists who travel into town from the north, the newly completed route also opens up opportunities for visitors arriving at North Road station to explore the history of the nearby ‘£5 note bridge’ on foot.”

The route, which was agreed by Darlington Borough Council in February 2015, includes CCTV and ecologically sensitive lighting to direct light onto the path and not the riverbank to avoid disturbing bats and other wildlife in the area.

The scheme has been funded as part of the Darlington’s Local Transport Plan, with cash from the Government’s Department for Transport.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor said: “This investment is the latest addition to the strong Tees Valley cycle network.

“The route improves connectivity for residents and businesses in the north of Darlington and delivers significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the town and wider Tees Valley.”

The cycleway was completed last week and it will be formally launched as a heritage site to celebrate the Skerne Bridge with information boards being erected in the area.

An entrance feature will also be installed on Northgate in September.