DESIGNS for a new £5m bridge which will see the closure of the town centre’s Jumble Lane level crossing have been approved by the council’s ruling cabinet.

The bridge will feature distinctive funicular lifts at each end, which will carry those unable to use steps at a diagonal angle in line with the adjacent steps.

The £5m cost is being met by a contribution of £2m from Network Rail, which is keen to see the closure of the level crossing on safety grounds. Barnsley Council will pay the rest.

The design, featuring two main stanchions inspired by the miner and glass blower on Barnsley’s coat of arms, was approved at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday and consultation will now be carried out. The funding from Network Rail requires the crossing to be closed by March 31 2019.