Warning as road closure barriers 'severely vandalised'

Westmorland and Furness Council said it had had to divert resources to reinstate the road closure

A warning has been issued after barriers and signs at two bridge closures were "severely vandalised".

Westmorland and Furness Council said the bridges, which run over the A591 near Kendal, were closed earlier in June due to structural concerns and the closure was "essential".

It said it was forced to "divert resources" to replace 11 fence panels and 14 diversion signs, as well as moving concrete barriers and reinstating the closures on Brigsteer and Underbarrow bridges.

A spokesman for South Lakes Police said: "It is not acceptable for individuals to not only move the barriers put in place, but to then cause significant damage to council property."

They said the bill for the damaged equipment would have to be footed "at the expense of the taxpayer" and appealed for anyone with information on the damage to contact them.

Some diversion signs were found in ditches and hedges, the council said

A spokesman for the council said police would increase patrols in the area and said the damage was "disappointing".

They said some of the diversion signs had been found in ditches and hedges, causing confusion to drivers.

"We appreciate that these closures, and the diversions, are causing inconvenience for local residents, communities, businesses and road users, however this action has been essential and our statutory duty to ensure your safety, " they added.