The Bell and Steelyard Pub in Woodbridge’s iconic weighbridge was smashed in April after a lorry crashed into it as it headed down New Street.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lorry strike on 'Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard. Picture: CLARE PERKINSLorry strike on 'Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard. Picture: CLARE PERKINS (Image: Archant)

The structure was one of only two weighbridges left in the country.

It wasn’t the first time the pub had been hit by oncoming traffic with dozens of near misses taking place over the years.

The damage caused a great deal of concern across the town as locals mourned the loss of the important part of the town’s history.

An employee at the Bell and Steelyard said “We are waiting for the council to close the street.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge county councillor Caroline Page. Picture: TOBY MONAGHAN-GRAYWoodbridge county councillor Caroline Page. Picture: TOBY MONAGHAN-GRAY (Image: Toby Monaghan-Gray)

He added that the pub had continued to suffer from near misses in the weeks since but that the pub hoped to have better news in a few weeks time.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways said: “In April 2018, an emergency closure was put in place by Suffolk Highways due to safety concerns following a vehicle strike to the Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard pub.

“The closure was removed shortly after once the building was made safe and secure.

“If a road closure is required for the repairs to take place, a request will have to be made by the pub to the County Council’s Network Assurance team.”

County councillor for Woodbridge Caroline Page had previously highlighted her concerns for the building describing the damage as “a real tragedy..”

Ms Page said that the damage had highlighted a bigger problem that still needed to be dealt with.

“We have to stop lorries coming up from the A12. This is the bottom line.”

Ms Page has been working on plans for a 20MPH zone for the town for over two years and believes that in the Bell and Steelyard’s case a lower speed limit could have acted as a deterrent, discouraging larger vehicles from passing down the roads.

Recently Ms Page had designs drawn up for the project.

As well as this Ms Page says that money to fund the new zone has been applied for from CIL funds by Woodbridge Town Council and that she would be meeting with Suffolk County Council officers to further discuss the plans.