VANDALS have struck in a Cornish seaside town which has been plagued by ill feeling concerning a catalogue of road changes.

In March, Cornwall Council installed bollards to close off a historic bridge in Newlyn to traffic as part of a series of measures to make the fishing port safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The decision led to almost 1,000 people signing a petition calling for the bollards to be removed. It stated: “The Old Bridge in Newlyn is not just a piece of infrastructure, it’s a lifeline for many in our community.

“For many, the ability to drive through The Old Bridge isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Local shopkeepers and families rely on the bridge to maintain the flow of business and the economic vitality of the area.”

Local councillors faced abuse about the decision. Over the weekend, two of the bollards were removed from their bases and parking restriction signs also removed. A third bollard showed signs of interference, suggesting the perpetrator(s) may have been interrupted while carrying out the vandalism.

Cllr Dan Rogerson, the council’s portfolio holder for transport, said: “I am disappointed to hear about the vandalism that has taken place in Newlyn this weekend, the cost of repairs will of course impact the taxpayer directly.

“The bollards will be reinstated and made more secure over the next couple of days to help prevent any further damage.”

A police investigation into the damage is underway. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101.

Earlier this year, a spokesperson for the council explained why the bollards had been installed: “The closure of Old Bridge to traffic was one of a series of proposals presented to the local community in late 2024, aimed at making Newlyn safer for walkers and cyclists and improving public spaces in the town.

“As a Grade II listed structure, the closure not only improves safety and accessibility within the town, it also protects the bridge.”

The spokesperson added: “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.”

Other traffic-calming measures in the town have led to staff from Cormac, Cornwall Council’s construction wing, being sworn and spat at while carrying out the work in Newlyn.

The area’s Cornwall councillor Thalia Marrington also spoke out about the abuse following the mysterious appearance, and quick disappearance of a sign, which was erected following the highways works.