00:00The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has visited Newcastle as restoration of the Tyne Bridge approaches its halfway stage.
00:08The project, which first got underway more than two years ago, is expected to finish in 2028,
00:14just in time to celebrate 100 years since the bridge opened.
00:19The government says funding comes from National Investment and the North East Mayor.
00:24During the visit, Reeves also met Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster to discuss the event's impact.
00:31The visit comes ahead of local elections across the region.
00:34Media were not invited and no questions were taken.
00:38Ministers say investment will support communities, while critics say scrutiny is limited.
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