Grand Parade’s historic stone balustrade badly damaged after “driver error”

The historic stone balustrade on Grand Parade in Bath has been severely damaged after a vehicle reversed into it and knocked a section into the River Avon below.

The scene on Grand Parade after the collision | Photo courtesy of Phil Chamberlain

Avon and Somerset Police say officers were called to the scene shortly after 4pm yesterday afternoon, Thursday 19th December, by a witness reporting a collision and damage to the balustrade.

A police cordon in place on Grand Parade | Photo courtesy of Phil Chamberlain

PCSOs were stationed at the scene to ensure the safety of the public, with B&NES Council working to erect barriers along the damaged section.

The police are making enquiries to establish whether any offences have been committed.

How the scene looks this morning | Photo courtesy of SN Scaffolds

Anyone with any information which could help with the investigation can get in contact through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, giving the reference 739 of 19th December.

Nobody was hurt in the collision.

Due to driver error a vehicle has struck part of the bulustrade at Pultney Weir. No one was hurt. Police and B&NES officers are tonight at the scene making it secure. pic.twitter.com/ARG2hizJtg

— Bath & North East Somerset Council (@bathnes) December 19, 2019

@richardwyatt @BathEcho @bathlive Van does a u turn, backs into balustrade, then drives off. ??????? @WeLoveBath @BathPresTrust pic.twitter.com/1JaoCHILA3

— Adam Reynolds (@awjre) December 19, 2019

In a statement from Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport, said: “We are carrying out an assessment of the damage caused by the vehicle which struck the balustrade yesterday.

“Masonry will need to be recovered from the river and a specialist contractor brought in to carry out the repairs.

“We have put up barriers to make the area safe and would appeal for any witnesses to get in touch with the police.”