Driver causes £20,000 damage in Staffordshire

We've been left to deal with the repair after a car skidded and slammed into the bridge which crosses the Hatherton Canal just outside the village of Four Crosses in Cannock.

The bridge, which has been hit three times over the last few years, was hit with such force that the side of the bridge completely broke away and ended up in the canal.

Historic canal bridges

Robert Malpass, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Each year we spend over £1million on repairing our historic canal bridges. Thankfully in this case the cost of the repair will be recovered through the driver’s insurance company but in most cases these accidents leave us unable to recoup its cost and thus diverting vital funds away from work to conserve the nation’s waterways. 

“Our bridges are a much-loved and important part of the history of the canals and I would urge motorists to take care and slow down when crossing them– particularly in icy conditions. This is particularly important for drivers of heavy goods vehicles and farm tractors with trailers where even a slight nudge can cause significant damage. You will save yourself and us a great deal of expense and aggravation and help to protect the region’s important industrial heritage.”