I think it’s a disgrace - reaction as hundreds back Swing Bridge repair petition
We wanted to hear your views on the current state of the Swing Bridge, and you didn’t disappoint.
Earlier this week a local tour guide urged Tyneside authorities to urgently crack on with the restoration of the broken Swing Bridge.
The crossing, which connects the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides, was the world’s largest swinging bridge when it opened in 1876.
But it has not successfully swung open since 2019 and looks certain to reach its 150th anniversary this summer without being able to turn.
With a petition now seeing hundreds of locals wanting to see the iconic structure restored, our Facebook comments were full of readers wanting their voice to be heard.
These are some of the most popular comments we saw.
“It’s a disgrace the local authorities have let this local Tyneside icon fall into disrepair” said John Middleton, while Wayne Thompson-Lewis added: “ A lick of paint here and there would be nice too to at least cover up the graffiti.”
Many focused on the region’s heritage, with Steave Pearce saying: “This is an insult to the memory of Lord Armstrong - who invented hydraulics and made Newcastle into the industrial powerhouse of the 19th century.”
Others suggested the site may be in better condition if it was given the importance of other sites in the country, with Kevin Paul Gannon saying: “ If the bridge had been in most cities it would be in good order just look at London's bridges we are paying millions for a ferry dock and can't afford bridge maintenance.”
Almost 400 people have signed the petition since it was launched a week ago and he has also written to heritage minister Baroness Twycross, who has previously met with local MP Chi Onwurah about the bridge’s plight.
Councillors were told late last year that local council officials and the Port of Tyne, which is responsible for the bridge’s swinging mechanism, would meet in the new year ahead of a feasibility study being launched to determine the scale of the repairs required and their costs.
Do you agree with these points? Let us know.