Celebrations and relief after 'sorry saga'

NEWS that a missing £6m for the restoration of the Tyne Bridge is finally secure has prompted a wave of celebration and relief across the North East.

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Local leaders now hope that all of the works needed to return the Tyne Bridge to its former glory will be completed in time for its 100th birthday celebrations in October 2028.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, said: "This is good news. The Tyne Bridge is an iconic symbol of our region and its neglect reflects decades of underinvestment.

"Under devolved authority we are beginning to see the signs of change. A long way to go but we need to start somewhere."

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of the NE1 Ltd business improvement district company added: "We said back in March that it would be a spectacular own goal for the Government to renege on commitments to funding the final stage of the Tyne Bridge renovations. We can now celebrate that the funding has been secured.