Police, the fire service and council attended the scene yesterday (July 21) after a car crashed into the front area of The Red Lion pub in St Peter’s.
The impact of the car caused damage to brickwork, fencing and outdoor furniture as well as to the supporting door lintel and another vehicle. A man has been arrested for dangerous driving.
Pub landlords Paul and Melvin say it was lucky yesterday’s weather had cooled down or there would likely have been injuries to customers.
They added: “The building is secure. Much of the wrought iron fence and ornamental work created by Mark Metalwork has been destroyed as have the benches and tables. The door has gone and the brickwork on the corner of building at the door surround.
“Ongoing is the work to repair the building and replace all the fencing and garden equipment. If the railings hadn’t slowed the car down considerably it would have ended up where the pool table is. Had it been the day before in the hot weather there would have been many people sitting outside and there would undoubtedly been at least one fatality.
“Thank goodness the weather had changed and miraculously there was no one outside at the time of the accident.”
A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called at 7.39pm to reports that the property had been struck by a vehicle.
“One fire engine attended along with the technical rescue unit. No-one was trapped but crews evacuated the premises and closed the road while they assessed the damage to the property. A building surveyor from Thanet council also attended.”
Duty of care was left with the council and Kent Police at 10.36pm.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called to a report that a car had collided with a building in Vicarage Street, St Peters, near Broadstairs at 7.35pm.
“Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
“The road was closed while the incident was responded to and reopened at around 2am on Friday 22 July. No serious injuries were reported.”
