Think Newcastle, think Gateshead, think Geordie, think Tyneside, think the Tyne Bridge.
It's the most obvious physical symbol of our region and it's known around the world. In six years time, the iconic structure linking Newcastle and Gateshead will mark its 100th anniversary but, quite frankly at this point in time, it's a mess.
Anyone who's travelled over it in the last few years can't fail to have noticed the bridge's once-majestic arches are thick with rust. Indeed, fears have been voiced over its long-term safety if the decline isn't halted soon.
Competitors in last year's Great North Run, while running across the bridge, were heard commenting on its decaying state. And as the main gateway road into Newcastle, what kind of impression does the sad, faded crossing give to visitors?
The city is hopefully on the mend and doing its level best to shake off the damaging economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even those perennial under-achievers Newcastle United are enjoying a welcome resurgence under ambitious new owners. It's the rusting old bridge that is letting the side down.
As the ChronicleLive 'history guy', let me give you a bit of background on our beloved Tyne Bridge. Built by Teesside engineers Dorman Long and Co, the magnificent arched structure was designed by Mott, Hay and Anderson who based their design on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which in turn was influenced by Hell Gate Bridge in New York.
After four years in the making, the bridge was officially opened by King George V on October 10, 1928, as thousands of Tynesiders looked on. The Chronicle at the time reported on a 21-gun salute which literally shook the city. There were “shrill whistles from ships, workshops and factories, and the full-bodied hooting of steamer sirens” while “bells clamoured from church towers, an aeroplane flew low, and bands played”. A legend had been born and the bridge became an instant source of regional pride.
It's a far cry from today's sad state of affairs. The bridge's last major paint job came back in 2000, and it shows. But what chance of the much-needed refurbishment before the bridge's centenary in 2028?
Sadly, the latest noises don't sound promising. Just last month we reported how a £40m funding bid to return the rusted crossing to its fitting state, plus renovate the Central Motorway, has been awaiting Government approval for more than two years.
There was, we noted, cautious expectation that the Department for Transport will sign off on the project, but city leaders were reluctant to commit to having the overdue repairs completed in time for 2028.
All of which feels like a kick in the teeth for those of us in our region who hold the Tyne Bridge dear and for whom it's been an ever-present in our lives.
Imagine those in power letting London's own iconic Tower Bridge deteriorate into a rusty mess. It just wouldn't happen. No wonder so many in the North continue to feel let down.
Back in 1928, a large chunk of the £1.2m bill for the new Tyne Bridge was footed by central Government. It's time they coughed up again - promptly.
