By Aled Jones
The Bridlington Harbour bridge walkway was constructed in 1969 but this evocative old postcard, from the earlier Sixties, shows the harbour area before the work was carried out.
If you compare it with the modern photograph it’s clear that the bridge walkway has not only markedly improved the harbour’s overall appearance but provided much safer facilities for residents and visitors alike.
Up until the mid-nineties you could join the bridge walkway on Southcliffe Road (adjacent to the Langdales Wharf car park) and stroll all the way to the cobble-stoned slipway which connects the harbour with Prince Street and the town centre.
However, in 1996 part of the walkway was demolished to make room for an important dry dock and crane; below the latter is an ancient natural ravine.
Known locally as Clough Hole, it’s the point at which the famous Gypsey Race chalk stream flows into the harbour, as it’s done uninterrupted for thousands of years.
A further glance at the postcard will reveal that, during the construction of the walkway and above viewing gallery several Late Georgian buildings were demolished, the nicest one being where a restaurant now stands.
