FOLLOWING extensive restoration work the Meldon Viaduct, which is now fully open to the public, has been given the seal of approval by its directors.
Chairman of the Meldon Viaduct Company Ltd Cllr Coleen Herriman, who inspected the site recently with other company members said: 'The viaduct is an important and breathtaking landmark and I am delighted that it has been restored to its full glory for the enjoyment of local people and visitors alike.'
The viaduct, which is accessible to cyclists and walkers, now forms part of the Devon Coast to Coast Cycle Route and is a key link in the National Cycle Network in the South West, connecting llfracombe with Plymouth.
A scheduled ancient monument, the viaduct was closed in 1965. A concrete road was then laid in 1970 to provide construction access for Meldon Dam which can be seen to the right of the viaduct.
Bardon Aggregates and Rail Property Ltd carried out renovation works in 1997 and during the last year Devon County Council invested £130,000 in carrying out conversion works to allow access for cyclists and walkers.
The Meldon Viaduct Company Ltd was formed by the county council in consultation with West Devon Borough Council, Dartmoor National Park, Sustrans and also Bardon Aggregates who sold the viaduct for just £1 to allow regeneration of the area.
Cllr Herriman, who is Devon county councillor for Okehampton added: 'The Viaduct Company is committed to protecting and enhancing the area and work continues to provide people with access to the surrounding countryside and to extending the path through to Okehampton.'