A NEW £500,000 footbridge over the River Wear has been opened.
Labour MP Gerry Steinberg performed the ceremony yesterday and handed old pennies to the first 20 walkers to cross the bridge.
The bridge, which provides a link to Durham's £30m Millennium City complex, which includes the Gala Theatre, crosses the river between Framwelgate Waterside and The Sands car park.
The bridge was named the Pennyfeather Bridge, after a ferry that used to cross the river, in a competition.
The name was suggested by retired prison officer Phil Clark, who said: "This little boat carried thousands of people from the Framwelgate side of the river to the Sands and vice versa.
"Both my mother and grandmother used the ferry to cross to work at the old Henderson carpet factory."
Mr Steinberg said: "The Pennyferry Bridge opens up a new route for many people to explore and enjoy our city.
"I applaud the imagination of the Millennium City scheme, which is hallmarked by high quality in its concept, content and design.
"It is our own practical, people-friendly Millennium bridge, which perfectly suits the character of Durham.''
The bridge was funded by the Millennium Commission, Durham County Council and Durham City Council.
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