Cleveland Bridge UK is making a hefty contribution to the refurbishment of an historic local park.
The Darlington-based engineering firm, which has created some of the world’s most iconic structures, has continued a bridge theme in the design of three unique park benches.
Weighing in at an impressive three-quarters of a tonne each, the steel benches are designed to resemble the decks of the company’s famous spans.
The benches have been donated to the Friends of Fryer’s Field Recreation Ground, which is working hard to revive the once-dilapidated 3.5 acre site in Haughton-le-Skerne, Darlington.
The company was approached on behalf of the Friends by the Deputy Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Chris McEwan, and readily agreed to help by designing and fabricating the benches.
The Friends formed three years ago to restore and improve the area after it had become a target for anti-social behaviour.
Since then, the group has worked closely with Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Cares, galvanising residents into helping maintain the recreation area.
Chris Droogan, Managing Director of Cleveland Bridge, said: “Cleveland Bridge UK is a Darlington company which is proud to support the local community by using the engineering skills passed down through the generations.
“It’s a great opportunity for our staff to use their talent to support such a worthwhile local project.”
John Thompson, Secretary of the Friends group, said: “We wish to express our thanks to Cleveland Bridge for creating such splendid benches.
“It’s a great example of a local company making a real difference to the lives of local people. It’s something I’m sure everyone will greatly appreciate, and I hope they will add further to the growing popularity of the recreation ground.”
Pictured are: Factory manager Richard Parker with (Back L-R): David Dinsdale, Trevor Fawcett, Josh Ridley, Paul Liddle and (Front L-R) Steve Kershaw, Paul Tweddle and Dale Slater who all worked on the project