The closure of Hammersmith Bridge, now spanning five miserable years, has led to soaring costs and a growing campaign for its reopening, emphasizing the need for clean air in affected areas such as Roehampton and Putney. The Evening Standard has joined this campaign, and Mayor Sadiq Khan has told the publication of his desire to reopen the bridge to vehicles, urging the government to honor its funding commitment. Concurrently, fury mounts over the Tyne Bridge restoration, with a deepening row over the government's failure to provide the promised £41 million. The Department for Transport (DfT) has been accused of 'crass neglect' and tensions are escalating as local leaders criticize the government's response and the late assessment of the project, attributed to Newcastle Council's delayed paperwork submission. MPs, including Kate Osborne, have signed a letter led by Ian Mearns to the Prime Minister, calling for the release of funds to protect the historic landmark ahead of its 2028 centenary.
Tyne Bridge funding feud deepens as Government response stokes tensions https://t.co/hsBUHknoPa
Signed my name to @IanMearnsMP letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to ensure funding is made available for the restoration of Newcastle's world famous Tyne Bridge ahead of its centenary in 2028. It's vital funds are released to ensure this historic landmark is protected https://t.co/CbUvCB7Ws7
Tyne Bridge row deepens as government accused of 'crass neglect' https://t.co/zYo32lICmi
A row over government funding for the Tyne Bridge's restoration has deepened amid claims the structure is being treated with "crass neglect". https://t.co/3ZjFwvgNIp
Government blame Tyne Bridge restoration delays on late submission of paperwork by Newcastle Council https://t.co/juEjPgDApz
Sadiq Khan tells The Standard he remains committed to getting Hammersmith bridge reopened to vehicles – and has urged the Government to honour a pledge to funding its repair https://t.co/0sVjiQ4ABg
And so this sorry saga over the Tyne Bridge restoration funding continues. DfT claims it could not start fully assessing the project until last month. That has NOT gone down well with local leaders. Remember, this money was pledged in June 2022. https://t.co/xkBmt2i8cm
Tyne Bridge feud deepens as Government response stokes tensions over absence of £41m repairs funding https://t.co/Mg0473TWoN https://t.co/BrRjBWPgpY
The Mayor of London, @SadiqKhan told the Evening Standard he remains committed to getting Hammersmith bridge reopened to vehicles – and has urged the Government to honour a pledge to funding its repair. https://t.co/HEePAD4Ys8
Fury continues to mount over the absence of promised Government funding for the restoration of the Tyne Bridge #tynebridge #newcastleupontyne #gateshead https://t.co/7mPXVpZ3HH
Hammersmith bridge latest: Mayor @SadiqKhan tells @EveningStandard: “I do want that bridge reopened for vehicles.” https://t.co/QIc5JplkVY
‘Would any other bridge in any other capital be allowed to stay closed for years and years?’ Evening Standard joining the campaign for #HammersmithBridge reopening after 5 miserable years - costs are soaring, the Government should fund it. #buses #Roehampton #Putney #cleanair https://t.co/7jEuzgxM97