South London's answer to New York's celebrated High Line has been targeted by "anti-gentrification activists" within days of it being unveiled.
The Vauxhall Missing Link Green Trail, a mile-long route from Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens to the Damien Hirst Gallery in Newport Street, was officially opened by Lambeth council leader Lib Peck on Friday to connect green spaces in the area.
But on Sunday night, thieves stole the signs that were put up along the £250,000 route, which is for cyclists and pedestrians. The finger of blame has been pointed at saboteurs fed up with changes to the area brought by an influx of more affluent residents.
Chris Law, who oversaw the regeneration project and is also chairman of the local crime prevention panel, said he was convinced the £500 signs were swiped by “old school” residents who were resistant to change.
“I know it is hard to believe but I am convinced that there are people who do not like change in the area — even if it is to bring more green space,” he said.
“They obviously see change as a threat to their old community and idea of London. It would be very difficult to get those signs off. It was not kids because you would need the right spanners and it was obviously very organised.
“There is no value to anyone else in these signs — they can’t be sold on and they have no scrap value. It is very sad that people can see a new green route as anything other than positive.”
Three signs made of aluminium and a plastic laminated board were stolen. The route’s opening was marked by the BBC, which recorded an episode of Radio Four’s Gardeners’ Question Time in Vauxhall on Saturday.
Lambeth police are investigating the theft while organisers are trying to order new signs.
Mr Law added: “We just can’t believe it. You do something really positive to improve the area and then this. We are bitterly disappointed and saddened by this thoughtless action.”
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The project was inspired by the success of the High Line park, built on a disused railway line raised above the streets of New York.
