Road to close as stricken vehicle to be removed from Langport pub

A road will be temporarily closed as workers clear debris and a vehicle that crashed into a pub in Langport. Customers and staff inside the Langport Arms Hotel heard an almighty bang when a Peugeot crashed into a pillared entrance at around 8pm on Saturday, June 1.^[1][2][3]

No one was seriously injured in the crash, which saw firefighters and police officers rush to the scene. A section of the pub’s distinct and historic entrance fell on the vehicle and crushed the roof and windscreen.

Debris has been scattered and spread around the pavement and road, with temporary traffic lights installed to ensure motorists can safely drive past the collision site. After nearly two weeks, the stricken Peugeot and damaged stone will be removed on Friday morning (June 14).

According to a letter sent to residents, businesses and traders, Wimpey Limited will clear the stonework and vehicle from the pub from 5.30am to 9am. A section of the road will be closed between 6am to 8am to allow the work to take place.

A diversion route will be in place during the works, with a warning there will be noise and disruption throughout.

Travel Somerset added: "If you live in Langport or travel along the A378 through town regularly you'll be aware temporary lights are in place following a recent incident involving a car colliding with the Langport Arms Hotel. We're pleased to confirm the car will be removed this Friday morning and the site made safe by a contractor acting for the insurer."

The Grade II listed building dates back to 1420 and has been an inn since the 16th century. The crash caused the pub to close on Saturday evening, but reopened as normal on the following day.

In a statement, the Langport Arms said: “At around 8pm there was an incident involving a collision into our pillared porch and balcony in front of the hotel main entrance. A car was involved and thankfully no one has been seriously injured. However the front entrance to our hotel is blocked and the balcony has been structurally damaged.

“Emergency services were called immediately and first aid was offered onsite immediately. We are thankful and very much grateful to our employees who acted so promptly during this shocking and trying time. We hope you understand that we will be unable to provide updates upon the incident as we continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities.

"However we want to make it clear that the hotel bar is open and the Sunday Carvery is still open. The side door will be our main entrance for the time being. Due to the current situation, we are unable to offer direct disabled access, however we will endeavour to support as much as we can. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”

A spokesperson for Devon & Somerset Fire Service said at the time: "I can confirm that crews from Somerton and Taunton were called to the Langport Arms Hotel, in Langport at 8.22pm after a single vehicle struck the property and brought down a stone support for the front porch.

"The driver is free of the vehicle and receiving medical attention from the ambulance service. Crews are working at the scene with acro props to support the porch roof. An internal inspection of the property has revealed there are no deformities to the external wall."

References

1. ^{^} Langport (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^{^} almighty bang (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^{^} . (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
4. ^{^} 'Abusive predator' who preyed on teenage girl jailed (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
5. ^{^} Two busy Somerset railway stations could be made more accessible for passengers (www.somersetlive.co.uk)