In 2012 former Mayor Paul Green announced plans to have three purpose-built love lock fences in Berry, Vincentia and Mollymook which ultimately divided council and community.

It was a bid to attract couples to the Shoalhaven, but the lust for the idea to place engraved padlocks, as a symbol of love, was lost and now it seems Paris’ taste for it has also crumbled.

Mr Green described the Shoalhaven as a city of love.

“A lot of people come down to the Shoalhaven to get married and engaged,” he said.

“The long-term benefit of the fences will be seen in the form of couples who return to celebrate anniversaries and visit their love locks over the ensuing decades.”

Council had said they found the idea a pointless endeavour that was a waste of time and resources.

Courtney Fitton from Nowra said her brother was one of the thousands who clasped a love lock on the bridge in Paris.

“My brother and his wife put one up in September 2013 when they got engaged over there,” she said.

“It’s a little disappointing they have pulled them down, but I think it would be a great idea if they revisited the idea of putting a fence up here.”

Ms Fitton said she would include a love lock on a local fence with her fiance.

“It’s about being able to revisit a spot where you both shared a moment and a memory of your love together,” she said.

“The locks are a momento.”