Millennium landmarks - Are they cursed?

The Millennium Bridge in London, the latest structure opened to commemorate the turn of the century, has been closed after just two days because it sways excessively. And no-one knows yet when it will re-open.

The wobbling landmark is yet another embarrassing setback for London's costly millennium projects.

First there was the much-maligned Millennium Dome, and then the London Eye, the giant ferris wheel which failed to open at the start of the new century due to a problem with the clutches.

On New Year's Eve, there was supposed to be a River of Fire along the Thames. Organisers swore it happened and that it could be seen from space. But few on the ground, a few yards away on the banks of the river, can recall witnessing it.

So - are the big millennium statements doomed never to succeed? If you live outside the UK, have your millennium projects been a success?

This Talking Point is now closed. A selection of your e-mails are posted below.

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Why close it? Charge admission and bill it as a ride.
Collin, Canada

The whole sad thing about these projects are that they are what the politicians want, and not the public. The waste of Lottery cash is staggering. If it had been spent on health and housing it would have brought the clowns who spent it more kudos and the people of this land more usable benefits. Then again, the arrogance of the holders of the lottery purse is frightening. It is time that a few ordinary people had the say on what it was used for.
Patrick B, UK

The designers certainly did not have their hand on the pulse of good taste, or general interest with these ghastly monuments

Evan Reineking, US

I believe that these structures are more doomed in the future as a complete waste of money as well as a general lack of interest around the world. The designers certainly did not have their hand on the pulse of good taste, or general interest with these ghastly monuments. Let them fall as no one will care.
Evan Reineking, US

There was never any enthusiasm for these projects amongst UK citizens. The only beneficiaries were the politicians who saw the millennium projects as a way to further their careers. It is poetic justice that it has all backfired but at what a cost!
Toby Bourke, England

Without the Y2K "bug" materialising into a major problem to add some excitement into everybody's lives, I guess we're left with knocking all the projects that may not have lived up to our expectations. While the bridge episode is unfortunate, it is hardly a major news event.
Mark M. Newdick, USA/UK

How could they have got is so wrong? Is this some new kind of "millennium bug" perhaps?

Steve Nicholls, UK

I am amused by the Millennium Bridge fiasco, and particularly the comments on the Consultant engineering form's web site "The bridge will feel as sturdy as nearby Southwark and Blackfriars bridges, despite appearing much lighter. The bridge's response to people moving across it, people deliberately trying to excite it and wind have been thoroughly calculated and tested."
How could they have got is so wrong? Is this some new kind of "millennium bug" perhaps?
Steve Nicholls, UK