Record numbers of vehicles crossed the Tamar Bridge at the weekend, following last Wednesday's Eclipse - but there was disappointment in Saltash itself that very few diverted into the town en route.

The lack of visitors in Saltash has led mayor, Mona Tomaszewska, to call for more signs directing people into town - from the Carkeel roundabout.

She was due to highlight the matter last night at the town council meeting, explaining that without signs people will not think of breaking their journey and driving into Saltash, despite the range of outlets in its centre. She said that signs were especially needed as a new heritage trail was to be implemented.

Last Thursday an all-time record of 26,542 vehicles crossed the bridge, this to be broken the following day when 27,295 travelled from Cornwall across to Devon. On Saturday the total was 21,482.

Bridge administrator, Barry Dibble, said that people did spread their journeys, which meant there was a steady flow throughout the peak days. He explained that at usual peak times around 2,800 vehicles cross an hour, but during Thursday, Friday and Saturday the figures never went over 2,000 an hour.

Mrs Tomaszewska hopes other councillors will back her in her campaign. She said: 'On the A38 the signs all say Plymouth or Liskeard, but Saltash barely gets a mention.'