The Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 09/12/1922 carries the following article:

At Tuesday's meeting of Hexham Rural District Council a letter was read from Mr. J. Swan, secretary to the proposed Mickley and Ovingham War Memorial Bridge scheme, asking the Council to receive a deputation with regard to the scheme.
Mr. T.O. Riddell said he would like to ask the Council to give their support to this scheme. The bridge was to be built entirely by voluntary subscription and he thought the scheme merited the strongest support of the Council. The only way of getting across the Tyne there was two or three old boats which were worn out and very dangerous to the men who used them. There were 60 or 70 pitmen using the ferry every day.
It was agreed that the deputation be received.