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The north of England had high hopes for this government. Why is it only offering us crumbs from the south? | Peter Hetherington
Neglect of schemes like the Tyne Bridge restoration contrasts sharply with bullishness over southern projectsIt’s a tale of two river crossings, and of two nations: a defining national landmark across the Tyne in need of an extra £6m from the government, and an ambitious plan being pushed by the chancellor for a Lower Thames Crossing at an estimated cost of at least £6bn. Together, they speak volumes about two-speed England and government priorities.Somewhat forlorn, partly covered in scaffolding, the majestic, rusting Tyne Bridge linking Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead is undergoing a long-delayed, four-year restoration meant to be completed for its centenary in 2028. The last government initially promised £35m towards the £41m cost – and while the prime minister recently described the structure as an “iconic part of the Newcastle and Gateshead skyline”, he refused to offer any assurance that the remaining £6m would be forthcoming in a review of infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Department for Transport. Local councils, cash-strapped and facing another round of austerity, are dismayed.Peter Hetherington writes for Society Guardian on communities and regeneration Continue reading...
Neglect of schemes like the Tyne Bridge restoration contrasts sharply with bullishness over southern projects
It’s a tale of two river crossings, and of two nations: a defining national landmark across the Tyne in need of an extra £6m from the government, and an ambitious plan being pushed by the chancellor for a Lower Thames Crossing at an estimated cost of at least £6bn. Together, they speak volumes about two-speed England and government priorities.
Somewhat forlorn, partly covered in scaffolding, the majestic, rusting Tyne Bridge linking Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead is undergoing a long-delayed, four-year restoration meant to be completed for its centenary in 2028. The last government initially promised £35m towards the £41m cost – and while the prime minister recently described the structure as an “iconic part of the Newcastle and Gateshead skyline”, he refused to offer any assurance that the remaining £6m would be forthcoming in a review of infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Department for Transport. Local councils, cash-strapped and facing another round of austerity, are dismayed.
Peter Hetherington writes for Society Guardian on communities and regeneration Continue reading...
