The Maryport Boardwalk officially opens to the public

Today (February 5), crowds gathered to watch the ribbon be cut by Councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes, chair of Cumberland Council.

The new stretch of accessible pathway joins the town’s promenade and harbourside, crossing the sandy area known locally as La’al Harbour.

The boardwalk is part of the transformation of Maryport’s public realm using money from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

It is part of the £12million of regeneration work in Maryport which will later see a new outdoor event space, improvements to the Wave, a new café and a beach shop.

Cllr Carni McCarron-Holmes cut the ribbon and braved the wind (Image: Cumberland Council/Tom Kay Photographic)

Cowran Estates Services Ltd, based in Ulverston, was the main contractor and used the skills of local subcontractors to complete the project.

As Cllr McCarron-Holmes cut the ribbon, she said: "Never did I think that we would get a boardwalk in Maryport. This is part of the £12million that has been spent and I am so glad it is open.

"A big thank you to the contractors and subcontractors who supported this."

Councillor Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, said: "It is a good link to put the town together, it means that there are links to all the different developments through the town.

"This decision has not been about politics or business, it has been a partnership. The business sector have been at the forefront calling for change and developing on behalf of community.

The Boardwalk connects the La'al Harbour (Image: Newsquest)

"This is the first time there has been an accessible route on this section of seafront which does not involve going along a road. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams and pushchairs will all be able to use the Boardwalk, and enjoy this popular little stretch of beach."

Sean Parnaby, chairman of Maryport Business Group and chairman of the Maryport Future Town Board said: "This is the start of around 5 to 6 projects coming to Maryport. This will be the first time a lot of people have been round here in a long time.

"The project also means that we will be bringing more businesses to Maryport, and we know that investments breeds investments. We are seeing expansions in shops, people are looking at the new developments and want to start a business here, it helps tourists and the local economy."

The first footsteps on the Boardwalk! (Image: Newsquest)

Eddie Dawson, who was born in Maryport but now resides in Carlisle, has been a vocal supporter of the development, and attended the opening. He said: "When I was younger, around 9, 10, 11, we always played here. It was like an oasis for us, it was sheltered and we used to collect worms for fishing and hang out here. I felt safe and secure there.

"When it first saw the idea, I thought 'what a brilliant idea to bring it into more use'. I used Facebook mainly to voice my support in local community groups.

"I spent 30 years with Allerdale Council and the negativity surrounding projects pulled it down, but I knew I wanted this.

"It feels like it has improved what was my childhood playground."