Bizarre sledgehammer attack causes £10k damage to bridge

The bridge in Dedridge, West Lothian, was repeatedly struck for two hours in the incident in the early hours of Monday morning.

Known locally as New Farm Bridge, the structure forms part of a busy pedestrian route from Dedridge to the centre of Livingston.

A stone wall forming the edge of the bridge, which is more than 100 years old, was demolished in the attack, with debris falling into the burn below.

CCTV footage from the nearby Lanthorn Community Centre shows the culprit was working alone, but the pictures are not clear enough to identify the vandal.

Kathleen Ross-Hale, vice chairwoman of Dedridge Community Council, said: "It must have been quite an effort to knock it down.

"It is extremely dangerous. It is a sheer drop from the bridge. A child could easily fall.

"I believe a temporary barrier was put up but it was knocked down too."

The bridge formed part of the old A71 road, but is now used as a pedestrian route between the areas of Dedridge and Murieston in Livingston.

Ms Ross-Hale added: "I have been looking into the history of the bridge for the past couple of years and it is extremely interesting.

"We really do try to make this a beautiful place.

"New Farm Bridge is a well known landmark but has unfortunately become a famous hang-out for teenagers.

"It is a very well used path, but at night the youngsters collect there to drink."

An emergency inspection has been carried out by West Lothian Council to ensure the stability of the bridge, and temporary barriers have been installed to cover the damaged section.

A spokesman for West Lothian Council said: "We will be arranging a repairs programme to the damaged bridge parapet."

Council leader Peter Johnston, who is also chairman of the Livingston South Area Committee, said: "This was a totally irresponsible and pointless act of vandalism.

"I would appeal to members of the public, particularly people who live in the area, to assist police inquiries to trace the culprit."

Members of a local environment group have also hit out.

Roley Walton, vice-chairwoman of the Dedridge Environment and Ecology Project, said: "This wasn't just vandalism, it was a project."

Police are hunting for the vandal, who struck between 1am and 3am on Monday morning.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This is a wanton mindless act of vandalism to a historic icon in this part of the town. An estimated cost of up to 10,000 to repair the bridge has been quoted.

"The bridge will be closed for some considerable time while repairs are carried out."