A POPULAR Bolton beauty spot could get a £90,00- “Mecanno” bridge.

If the green light is given this week, the ironwork bridge linking Little Lever with Moses Gate Country Park will be created in the style of the popular children’s building toy.

It has been designed by celebrated public artist Liam Curtin, who was behind the Northern Quarter public art scheme in Manchester and the 50ft Blackpool High Tide Organ.

The pieces would be 10 times the size of a toy Meccano set, and a local steel fabricator will be used to make the beams, nuts and bolts in the same style — but 10 times thicker and 1,000 times heavier.

Mr Curtin said: “Meccano is a very creative medium to work in and local people, who will have been trained, will be able to assemble it, and build their own bridge, which I hope will endear it to the heart of local people.

“There are many bridges in the style of Meccano but in this case you will be able to see the toy-like detail. It will be exaggerated.”

The bridge would be built on the site of an old horse bridge, and would pass over Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal at Nob End, Little Lever.

Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society is carrying out improvements on the Nob End section of the canal and there are plans to turn it into a picnic area with the bridge as its focal point.

Society members hope it will form part of their long-term aspirations to create a visitor centre and re-open the waterway.

The scheme is being financed by money from a developer as part of a planning agreement.

The application is recommended for approval and, if passed, work could start within weeks.

The artist intends to contact the makers of Meccano before construction starts to notify the company of his intention to use the design.

Marie McNulty, Bolton at Home’s east neighbourhood manager, said: “Local residents have been overwhelmingly supportive of this idea, which we believe would make a positive difference to the area as both a functional and decorative feature.”