STRUCTURAL supports have been put in place to protect one of the town’s most historic buildings from further damage after a car smashed through its doors last night.

Engineers were last night assessing the damage to Curson Lodge on the junction of Silent Street and St Nicholas Street after a car ploughed into the entrance at 8.45pm.

The car wiped out the large wooden pillar at the entrance to the Tudor building, which has now been replaced with temporary wood and metal supports.

Ambulance crews were called to the scene last night to assess the female driver and her passenger, who reported suffering from foot and back pain.

The building, which dates back to the 15th Century, is famed for being opposite the birthplace of Ipswich greatest son Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

The site, although currently vacant, was set to be handed over to a new owner today.