Ashton bridge painted in rainbow colours in tribute to brave keyworkers

Painting the bridge Pic: Donna Clifford — Local volunteers painted the bridge today as a tribute to keyworkers Pic: Donna Clifford

A bridge in Ashton-on-Ribble has been painted in rainbow colours as a tribute to the keyworkers who have kept Preston running during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bridge 10 on the Lancaster Canal over the entry to Ashton Basin was given the makeover today (Wednesday 29 July) by a group of locals.

Ashton resident Aidan Poland, who lives opposite the bridge, came up with the idea and approached the Canal and River Trust for support.

Aidan said: “I was sitting looking at the view across to the bridge one day during lockdown when the idea came to me. It was at the point where we were clapping the NHS and seeing rainbows in every window.

“I wasn’t sure when I contacted the Canal and River Trust if the idea would go any further, as I’ve never seen anything like this before. I was really happy when they agreed we could do it.”

The volunteers prepping the bridge Pic: Donna Clifford

Almost finished – the group will return to finish the job on Friday Pic: Donna Clifford

Aidan and four other volunteers spent six hours prepping and then painting the bridge. They will return on Friday to complete the job.

Aidan said: “The Canal and River Trust organised everything really well, bringing the paint and equipment and making sure we were all adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.

“It was cool to see people’s reactions as they passed us on the bridge. Everyone was really positive and agreed it was a good way to pay tribute to our keyworkers while brightening up the area.”

The bridge over the entry to Ashton Basin Pic: Donna Clifford — Pic: Donna Clifford

The bridge almost finished Pic: Donna Clifford — Pic: Donna Clifford

Anna Barlow from the Canal and River Trust said: “It’s great that we have people in the local community who will come to us with ideas and get stuck in.

“The rainbow bridge is a lovely feature that will liven up the area and show that we’re all in support of our keyworkers now more than ever.”

Anna believes the waterways have been essential for improving people’s wellbeing throughout lockdown.

She said: “We want to make life better by the water and through use of green spaces, especially in urban areas like this that back on to canals.

“Initiatives like this help people enjoy time outdoors, and help us all reflect on the fact we’re very fortunate to have had our keyworkers keeping us safe throughout a time like this.”

What do you think of the rainbow bridge? Let us know in the comments.