Piece of history takes a knock

The scene at the Bridge Street-High Street junction. Picture by LINDA BENNETT

A lorry and trailer sideswiped a piece of Saddleworth history yesterday.

The vehicle was turning into Bridge Street off Uppermill’s High Street when it collided with stone steps and metal railings outside the corner house.

The impact pulled the black-painted railings and stone slab from their foundations and damaged a support wall.

Part of the road was coned off as the railings partially blocked Bridge Street.

The house is being offered for rental or sale at £229,950 and Gwyn Jones, of The Jones Partnership which is handling the property, said: “The lorry driver came into my office, just a few yards from the scene, and told me what happened.

“The steps and immediate area are a real mess. A stone slab has been dislodged and left a gaping hole. The owner who is away at the moment is devastated.”

Councillor Mike Buckley said: “This is the heart of Uppermill’s conservation area. The steps will have to be sensitively restored.”