Temporary Traffic Lights at Seccombes Set to Be Removed
Police say that trio in car that caused damage unlikely to be charged
The car embedded in the wall of the builders' yard. Picture: John Seccombe
October 27, 2023
The temporary traffic lights that have been causing delays on Syon Lane and Windmill Lane look set to be removed by the end of the month.
The counterflow restrictions were introduced because work on the wall and the building on the corner at P. A. Seccombe and Son Ltd. Builders’ merchant was required when an Audi RS4 smashed into the premises in the early hours of Monday 6 February.
John Seccombe, Managing Director of Seccombe Builders Merchants says, “We are pleased to confirm we are nearly there. Many of you will have been able to see the rapid progress since we were given the go ahead by the insurance loss adjuster. The walls of the damaged building have now
been carefully rebuilt and the roof structure is in place. Currently the roofers are preparing to place the roof slates and ridge tiles which will complete the rebuild. The brick layers have already started to rebuild the perimeter wall in preparation for the removal of the scaffolding which remains in the way while the roofers complete their tasks. In discussion with the contractor, we are confident we will be able to ask for the traffic restrictions to be removed by the end of the month.”
The work on the site is far from over and repairs need to be made within the walls.
Mr Seccombe blames the way insurance companies work plus the complex nature and high value of the claim for the time taken to complete the work. He says it will be months before the business is operating normally and there is residual damage to the firm’s reputation despite the crash being none of its fault.
He is planning to offer incentives to customers to return to doing business with them when they are fully back up and running.
Traffic light controls remain at the scene of the crash. Picture: Chris Longhurst
According to the police, it is now likely that the three men who were in the car at the time of the crash will not face any charges. They all fled the scene and two were arrested on suspicion of drink driving, and the third on suspicion of drink driving and possession of cannabis. The cost of repairing the damage caused is over £300,000 and rising.
Acting Inspector Michael Binns says that police have been unable to secure evidence that would lead to a conviction and therefore it is being concluded that the three men involved will face no further action.
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