Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Cricklade historic hotel owner reports major damage after lorry collision
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The owner of the Grade II-listed Vale Hotel in Cricklade has criticised the local council after a lorry crash destroyed a historic town clock and damaged his property.
The owner of a historic hotel in Cricklade has expressed frustration following a vehicle collision that resulted in significant damage to his property and the destruction of a town landmark. Mark Ingle, who manages the Grade II-listed Vale Hotel on the High Street, described the incident as shocking and has raised concerns over the response from local authorities.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night when a lorry passing the 16th-century building struck and toppled a cast-iron clock. The structure, which held historical significance for the town, was installed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1898 and was maintained by the town council. The force of the collision also knocked over a nearby lamppost, which smashed a first-floor window of the hotel, damaged the windowsill, and caused scratches to the building's exterior façade.
Mr Ingle stated that it was fortunate no guests were injured, noting that he had moved a guest to a different room shortly before the impact occurred. The owner expressed disappointment that he had not been formally contacted by the town council regarding the extent of the damage to his property. He also raised concerns about safety at the site, reporting that he witnessed individuals working on cables beneath the pavement without appropriate safety equipment or high-visibility clothing.
A spokesperson for Cricklade Town Council stated that they believed communication had been shared with Mr Ingle on the night of the incident. The council maintained that its immediate priority was to ensure the safety of the area for pedestrians and to cordon off the scene. They noted that the lamppost was removed by Wiltshire Council, which holds ownership of the asset, and that council staff were present for approximately 30 minutes to remove debris from the pavement.
The town council spokesperson added that no wiring work was undertaken by their staff, and that they had prioritised securing the remains of the historic Jubilee Clock. The site remains a point of local attention, with police tape and road closure signs currently surrounding the debris of the clock and the base of the damaged lamppost. Mr Ingle has expressed his intent to seek further clarity on the handling of the incident and the damage to the listed building.
Source: Swindon Advertiser · View original