A MOVE to make Newlyn a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists has been met by opposition from hundreds of people.

Following a public consultation, Cornwall Council has closed the Old Bridge in Newlyn to traffic by installing bollards in front of the historic structure. The council believes the measure will also protect the Grade II listed bridge.

However, a petition calling for a reversal of the decision has been signed by over 550 people in a matter of days. The Change.org petition was set up by Newlyn residents Julian Sincock, Julie Hamer and Sue Bosworth.

Writing on the petition web page, Mr Sincock said: “The Old Bridge in Newlyn is not just a piece of infrastructure, it’s a lifeline for many in our community. Recent proposals to permanently close this bridge to vehicles have sparked significant concern among residents.

“During the Newlyn consultation, it was crystal clear that the majority of locals are opposed to this move. Out of 123 respondents, 84 wholly objected to the proposal, fearing it would worsen congestion, reduce parking availability, harm local businesses, and unnecessarily impede daily life for our elderly and disabled citizens.

“For many, the ability to drive through the Old Bridge isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s vital for local commerce, providing easy access for delivery vehicles and customers. Business owners worry about decreased patronage as convenient access is a crucial factor for a thriving retail environment.

“Local shopkeepers and families rely on the bridge to maintain the flow of business and the economic vitality of the area.”

Mr Sincock added: “Additionally, the Old Bridge is a critical artery for daily commutes. Closing it to vehicular traffic could lead to increased traffic on alternative routes, further exacerbating congestion in the area rather than alleviating it: New Road is already very congested, with a busy bus stop, restaurant and shops right in front of the exit from Creeping Lane.

“This change could make the lives of the elderly and disabled, who depend on close parking and direct routes, unnecessarily challenging.

“While the intentions behind the closure may have been rooted in fostering a safer or more environmentally-friendly neighbourhood, the resulting impact has revealed a series of unintended consequences that far outweigh any purported benefits.

“The decision-making process must prioritise the needs and sentiments of the majority of Newlyn’s residents, who find the closure both unnecessary and detrimental to their daily lives.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said the closure of Old Bridge to traffic was one of a series of proposals presented to the local community in late 2024, following earlier discussions as part of the Penzance Sustainable Travel Network project, aimed at making Newlyn safer for walkers and cyclists and improving public spaces in the town.

The spokesperson added that the closure not only improves safety and accessibility within the town, it also protects the bridge, which is a Grade II listed structure.

“In light of concerns about the impact closing Old Bridge to traffic would have on access to New Road car park, we agreed to trial a six-month closure with residents and businesses able to give us their feedback throughout.

“In January, having reviewed the feedback and our own monitoring of the local road network, we confirmed that Old Bridge will now close vehicles on a permanent basis.

“The trial has generated valuable feedback, particularly regarding obstructive parking on both sides of Old Bridge.

“These concerns will be addressed by introducing clearer and more formalised parking arrangements. The bollards will be removable to allow emergency vehicle access if required.”

Opinions are polarised in the Newlyn area. One person against the closure of the bridge to traffic said: “This is an iconic bridge, featured in Stanhope Forbes paintings. Now it is an eyesore and used as a place to park cars. People enjoyed walking over the bridge as it was without the bollards.”

However, another commented: “If the vociferous objectors to this scheme cannot appreciate the value … without letting their reactive sense of loss of freedom to drive when and where they want trump all other considerations and to hell with everyone else - well, what a sad bunch they must be.”