Cleveland Bridge model to be sited outside staff club on Neasham Road

The large red model of the Cleveland Bridge brand stood a few yards from the gates of the landmark factory on Yarm Road for years, directing thousands of lorry-loads in and out of the factory.

But almost a year ago the region was shaken by the collapse of the whole business, with anger and disbelief focussed clearly on the decisions made by MD Chris Droogan in a hugely challenging market.

Jonathan Dulston celebrates the decision

Read more: Every step of the demise of Darlington's Cleveland Bridge

Heartbreakingly, much of the content had to go to auction as no new buyer could be found for the business, but Darlington Council put the iconic model to one side to make sure it stayed local.

Now it is to placed outside the Cleveland Bridge Club on Neasham Road as a permanent tribute to generations of workers. Council leader Jonathan Dulston said: "It had been commissioned by the council and constructed in Darlington by a team of apprentices at Cleveland Bridge and was then displayed on one of our major roundabouts near Halfords before returning to the factory entrance.

The huge Cleveland Bridge site (Image: Newsquest)

"The council managed to reclaim this from the administrators during the closure of the site and since then many proposals have been worked on to find its next home.

"A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to join the men and women who used to work at Cleveland Bridge for their annual reunion and I confirmed that its new home will be at the Cleveland club where it is set to be installed on plinths which will showcase it on one of Darlington’s main arterial roads.

"I am delighted that Cleveland Bridges’ history will be remembered for many years to come."

Read next:

• Cleveland Bridge workers to hold Darlington reunion almost a year since closure
• Cleveland Bridge site in Yarm Road, Darlington acquired by investor
• Pictures show what's left to buy at Darlington Cleveland Bridge