POLICE were called to reports of a lorry hitting Helland Bridge near Bodmin at 2.55pm on November 15.

Police said the lorry also hit a tree which fell into the road. No injuries are reported but the road was closed while the lorry was recovered. The road was reopened at 4.40pm.

Damage sustained to the bridge has been an ongoing concern for local residents and many were concerned when they heard the news as the bridge had only recently re-opened following £80,000 worth of repairs.

On scene shortly after the incident was Cornwall Councillor Chris Batters, ward member for Lanivet and Blisland. He said he has been fighting for years to see measures put in place to prevent incidents like this occurring and was disappointed to see it happen again so soon after repair work was carried out: “It constantly beggars belief how so many motorists can cause so much stress to the residents of Helland, in particular those living close to Helland Bridge. A driver in a 40 tonne juggernaut drove two miles or more from the A30 road to Helland Bridge, ignoring on route seven signs advising of both the weight restriction and bridge width.

“In the process [the lorry] caused damage to the roof of a roadside property at the bridge, brought down an enormous branch from a nearby tree, that had to be towed away by tractor, and the road was closed for several hours. The bridge had only last week been re-opened after £80,000 worth of repairs had been carried out on it.

“This bridge has become a regular target of irresponsible drivers in over-weight and over-sized vehicles, including agricultural vehicles. For over two years I have tried my hardest to get some sense brought to this matter, and yesterday’s incident will supply me with more ammunition towards fighting to get measures put in place.”