In 2015, city officials in Paris had to removed an estimated 45 tonnes of “love locks” after they caused the collapse of part of the Pont des Arts bridge.
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Parisians may have begun to frown on the tradition of love locks, but it’s a different story in Lockhart.
In Lockhart, a specially designed arch has been built to take the weight of hundreds of love locks – padlocks on which people have written their names – and installed a wishing well into which the keys can be thrown.
The gesture is said to symbolise unbreakable love.
It’s a hemisphere away from Paris and its Seine River, but Lockhart has welcomed the tradition and plays on the town’s “lock-heart” name.
Lockhart’s Love Locks arch, overlooking the Brookong Lagoon, is included as part of a heritage and sculpture trail which winds through the town.
Jennifer Connor, Lockhart’s tourism and economic development officer, said there was a steady increase in the number of locks appearing on the arch, and not all of them feature the names of just two people.
“Visitors are leaving love locks for families or locks that celebrate people who have been married for 50 years. It’s really lovely,” Ms Connor said.
“Love is eternal for people. It appeals to all ages.”
Ms Connor said if there are ever so many that the arch is in danger, Lockhart Shire will build more.
