A Truro stonemason has called for Cornwall Council to install better signage on the A390 at Tresawls Road after a delivery driver’s satnav sent him down a narrow lane in Coosebean, where he got stuck and damaged a heritage stone wall.

The 200m herringbone-style wall belongs to stonemason Mark Nicholls, 56, and forms part of a woodland garden attached to a property he rents out. He estimates it contains around £15,000 worth of stone at today’s rates.

“This is a narrow lane, and satnavs have been sending lorries down from the top end,” he said. “The signage by the golf course is not up to scratch, and I have tried putting my own signage up saying ‘no turning or passing for HGVs’, but it isn’t enough.

“Those who ignore it have to reverse back up the lane. This has been going on for years and years - this is the third incident this year alone. I have spoken to Cornwall Council several times, but it has all gone quiet.”

Mr Nicholls rebuilt the wall just two weeks ago following an incident when he was on holiday abroad. He was able to report that vehicle thanks to a passer-by providing photographic evidence, and his insurance claim was in progress when this week’s incident occurred, involving a delivery by Yorkshire firm DIY Kitchens.

“It happens so often, I know those stones by their first names,” he said. “They get carved up by an 18-tonne truck, and while some can be reused, for others I have to go up to Tintagel to find the right sort, and then there is traffic control involved while I fix the wall due to the narrowness of the road. It isn’t straight forward, and it’s irritating.

“It causes a lot of damage to the lorries, too. This one poked a couple of holes in its roof. There was some colourful language on the driver’s part, and I don’t think he made his deliveries after that.”

Mr Nicholls said he was “fond” of the area due to long-standing family connections. “It’s a little bit of heaven with its bluebells and birds singing. I keep goats there, and in the woodland next door, there are fairy doors.

“It’s a part of Truro that hasn’t been destroyed by houses going up, so I am very protective of it. It might not be Cornwall Council’s priority, but it is mine,” he said.

Mr Nicholls also appealed to lorry drivers to “use some common sense rather than relying on their satnavs.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said Cormac crews were called to remove damaged branches from a tree following this latest incident, adding: “Signage is in place on Coosebean Lane advising of the weight restriction and the road being unsuitable for HGVs. However, following recent incidents, we took a decision to review the signage and will shortly be installing new signs to reinforce the message.

“As always, we encourage all drivers, especially those of large vehicles, to plan their routes rather than rely on sat nav devices.”