Pub set for partial demolition after lorry crash

A pub damaged when it was hit by a lorry will be partially demolished in a bid to make the site more stable overall.

A lorry crashed into two buildings on the A49 in Bayston Hill, Shropshire, in November, damaging the Three Fishes Pub and the adjacent Hong Kong City takeaway.

Engineers examining the pub had confirmed that stabilising work would not provide the structural integrity required and a portion of the building therefore needed to be knocked down, National Highways said.

Shropshire Council said it was continuing to monitor the situation and was liaising with National Highways to help mitigate any disruption.

Temporary traffic lights were put in place on the A49 following the crash and are expected to remain in place while investigations at the buildings continue.

The lights have been blamed by local residents and business owners for causing congestion in the area.

"Until this work is complete and we are given the assurance that the buildings no longer pose a risk to road users or pedestrians, the temporary traffic lights must remain on the A49," National Highways said on Thursday.

"We appreciate the delays and frustration these lights are causing, but safety is our top priority."

National Highways has also advised road users to take alternative routes where possible.

A spokesperson added work to the pub was due to take place soon and they were awaiting an update on works to the other damaged property.

The driver of the lorry was cut free and taken to hospital following the crash on 11 November.

The pub had been sold and was due to be handed over to new owners at the time of the crash.

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