It will be shut for three weeks after scrap metal thieves plundered 900 metres of stainless steel wire and left huge gaps in the main structure
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Thieves have stolen a massive chunk of a new £200,000 suspension bridge.
Puddlers Bridge was opened only last year by celebrity fashion designer Julien Macdonald, who praised the striking *landmark as an incredible piece of modern *architecture.
But it will be shut for three weeks after scrap metal thieves plundered 900 metres of stainless steel wire and left huge gaps in the main structure.
Police Inspector Clare Hallett said: These reckless thieves have put the safety of the public in danger the wire was vital for the safety of people using the bridge.
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Damage: Meshing fits gaps where metal has gone
TV star Julien, 42, was cheered by crowds in his hometown of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, as he cut the ribbon on the footbridge.
The project aimed to bring hope to a struggling town and the *Britain & Irelands Next Top Model judge described it as a small piece of Las Vegas in Merthyr Tydfil.
Locals said the theft was a kick in the teeth.
Shopper Glenda Jones, 56, fumed: It was a real ray of light in the town but again some idiots have to ruin it.
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Flashback: Julien MacDonald opens impressive bridge
Merthyr councils David Jones said: I am extremely disappointed and angered.
"We work hard to improve and regenerate the borough and mindless individuals not only undo that but leave us with a problem for which we have to find additional money to fix.
Metal thieves steal a BRIDGE: Crooks plunder massive chunks out of £200,000 landmark in Merthyr Tydfil - Mirror Online
Thieves have stolen a massive chunk of a new £200,000 suspension bridge.
Puddlers Bridge was opened only last year by celebrity fashion designer Julien Macdonald, who praised the striking *landmark as an incredible piece of modern *architecture.
But it will be shut for three weeks after scrap metal thieves plundered 900 metres of stainless steel wire and left huge gaps in the main structure.
Police Inspector Clare Hallett said: These reckless thieves have put the safety of the public in danger the wire was vital for the safety of people using the bridge.
Damage: Meshing fits gaps where metal has gone
TV star Julien, 42, was cheered by crowds in his hometown of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, as he cut the ribbon on the footbridge.
The project aimed to bring hope to a struggling town and the *Britain & Irelands Next Top Model judge described it as a small piece of Las Vegas in Merthyr Tydfil.
Locals said the theft was a kick in the teeth.
Shopper Glenda Jones, 56, fumed: It was a real ray of light in the town but again some idiots have to ruin it.
Flashback: Julien MacDonald opens impressive bridge
Merthyr councils David Jones said: I am extremely disappointed and angered.
"We work hard to improve and regenerate the borough and mindless individuals not only undo that but leave us with a problem for which we have to find additional money to fix.
Metal thieves steal a BRIDGE: Crooks plunder massive chunks out of £200,000 landmark in Merthyr Tydfil - Mirror Online