A NARROW West Devon bridge which underwent expensive building work to stop large vehicles using it will be closed yet again this month, after modifications were smashed the day after it was re-opened.

The 150-year-old Heale Bridge near Liftondown has repeatedly been hit by large vehicles using the road as a short cut from Lifton to the A388 — the frequency of damage on the hump-backed bridge has increased over the years and an average of eight 'hits' have been recorded annually.

Although the bridge appears to be of normal width, when vehicles approach from either end, the alignment of the original masonry arch causes several pinch-points part way across, which catch out unwary motorists.

To deter wide vehicles from attempting to cross the bridge, masonry islands were erected at each corner and a formal traffic order providing a width restriction of 6ft 6in was imposed on the route.

In addition to recurring damage to the bridge, vehicles were also in danger of crashing through the weakened railings and plunging into the River Carey below.

The council has now replaced the railings with masonry parapets, which returns the bridge to its original form and provides a more solid edge to the road.

But it appears the work, which cost £18,000, was not enough to dissuade determined drivers from using it.

Kevin Dentith, the county's principal bridge engineer, said: 'Somebody is flouting the law. There is now this 6ft 6in restriction on it, but it started happening from the day the road was opened again.

'We had hoped they would have heeded the signs, but they haven't and they've damaged the islands.'

Mr Dentith said the police are patrolling the area but as their resources are limited, it was difficult to pin down who was ignoring the road signs.

Mr Dentith said: 'We have had quite a response already from four or five concerned residents. The islands look a bit of a mess at the moment, but we're not going to replace them as we've now got to build bigger ones.'

Mr Dentith said the new modifications, costing around £1,000, would be carried out over approximately four days, starting on July 16.

Cllr David Morrish, the council's environment portfolio holder, said: 'Heale Bridge is just one of a number of bridges across the county which have been subject to damage by careless drivers.

'As well as providing strategic crossing points for traffic, many of Devon's bridges are of great historic value and I very much hope the public will take more care when crossing bridges and adhere to the weight and width restrictions.'

To prevent further damage caused by drivers ignoring warning signs, and to recover public money where damage does occur, the county is urging people to contact its bridge maintenance team if they witness incidents of this nature.

Contact the team on 01392 383389.