Wellington shop hit by lorries 12 times in a year

A Shropshire businessman is calling for a complete ban on lorries using a narrow town street after his premises was hit by a truck for the 12th time in 12 months.

Bill Benson, managing director at Martin & Co Lettings Agency in Wellington, is warning that someone could be very seriously injured if highway chiefs fail to block lorries from entering Market Square.

Mr Benson said: "It's getting beyond a joke now and really could be quite dangerous.

"We've been hit by lorries 12 times in 12 months, possibly even more as we're losing count. It is becoming a nightmare."

The 44-year-old added: "It's got to the point that when we see wagons coming round the corner we all stop what we're doing and watch on nervously."

Telford & Wrekin Council today agreed to review safety measures and install another sign to warn drivers of the narrow road, but stopped short of an outright ban.

CMr Benson said: "The ultimate thing we'd like is for the road to be shut to HGVs as they don't need to come down here.

"That would be the ideal result as I'm seriously worried about safety now.

"These lorries aren't going fast but the whole building shakes when they hit and what would happen if they broke the glass or the ceiling came down?"

The latest incident was on Friday when a lorry struck part of the building causing damage to exterior signs and lighting.

Highways workers have previously installed signs at the junction of Church Street and Vine Yard Road to advise lorry drivers against entering the Market Square.

Councillor Adrian Lawrence, council cabinet member for environment, said: "Telford & Wrekin Council has been in discussions with Martin & Co regarding repeated damage to their building.

"An additional sign will now be placed at Station Road indicating a restricted road width ahead.

"The location of bollards which have been placed in the footway to prevent vehicles from hitting the buildings will be reviewed and adjusted during proposed refurbishment works on the building opposite.

"This work is likely to require traffic in Market Street to be restricted for a short period while the works are undertaken."