A lorry driving down a narrow street smashed into a historic Grade I weighbridge – one of only two left in the country.
Police were called to Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard in Woodbridge, Suffolk, this morning after reports that a tall HGV had completely destroyed the rare structure.
A spokeswoman for Suffolk Police said: ‘We have located and spoken to the driver who will be interviewed for traffic-related offences in due course.’
A HGV today crashed into a Grade I listed steelyard outside a historic Suffolk pub
The weighing machine is a major feature on the Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard in Woodbridge
The truck it the structure which was used to weigh products delivered to Woodbridge
The timber-framed steelyard – believed to date back to the 17th century – overhung the road and was used to weigh sacks of flour and other agricultural produce.
Part of the grade I listed pub, it was one of only two left surviving in the UK and was operated until the 20th century.
Hugh Thomas, who lives at the pub, reported being in bed when he heard a sound like ‘a bomb going off’.
Officers cordoned off the street but the pub opened as usual.
Clare Perkins, Woodbridge town mayor, said: ‘It’s absolutely tragic.
‘It was quite a large truck that came down the street. It just went into the pub sign and ploughed straight through.
‘It was one of only two in the country.
‘It’s history being wrecked.’
Suffolk police confirmed they have spoken to the driver following the early-morning incident in Woodbridge, Suffolk
The pub was able to open as normal despite the damage caused to the historic machine
Suffolk police confirmed they will be interviewing the driver in connection with a ‘traffic related offence’ at a later stage
Mrs Perkins said that the steelyard had actually been hit by large vehicles on five previous occasions but that it had never been damaged like this.
She added: ‘We shouldn’t have these large lorries coming through our town anymore.
‘They should go around the ring road but their sat navs take them through the town.
‘It’s ridiculous.’