Lorry Hits Leeds Pub, Renewing Calls for Bypass Road Construction

A big truck crashed into a village pub. The pub “shook visibly,” said the landlady. It happened in Leeds after a road closure. The driver tried to turn the truck around.

He backed into the George Inn’s function room. Villagers watched, dismayed by the incident. Jason and Debbie Tharp run the George Inn. They await a surveyor’s inspection of the Haybarn. This happened on Sunday morning.

The truck was pulling a Maersk shipping container. The road closure lacked warning, Mrs. Tharp explained. It was for a water leak repair. People yelled at him to stop the truck.

He hit the Haybarn twice, causing damage. One CCTV camera got destroyed in the process. The British driver seemed apologetic. He left his contact information with the couple. A crack formed along the wall of the pub.

The couple must wait for the surveyor’s report. They need to know if Haybarn remains usable. Mrs. Tharp expressed her frustration. Council member Gary Cooke hopes the Tharps get compensation. He also mentioned that the company should respond quickly.

He also pointed out issues with local truck traffic. Lorry drivers routinely ignore road signs at Leeds Castle. Weight restrictions are not enforced properly. Cooke states southeast Maidstone roads need improvement. He mentioned the need for a relief road. This could keep traffic flowing better.

South East Water repairs a water leak on the B2163. They were contacted to provide a statement on the accident.