Talks will be held to discuss the potential reconstruction of one of Cheshire’s most cherished landmarks after it was destroyed by a car on Thursday, November 14.
The grade II listed Round Tower Lodge which has stood central to the village of Sandiway since the 1800s, was reduced to just a pile of bricks after a red Corsa crashed into it at about 10.30pm.
The driver, a 50-year-old local woman, was taken to Leighton Hospital with minor injuries and police are currently investigating what caused the crash.
In the aftermath of the incident, an inspector from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Building Control team deemed the monument to be unsafe, so contractors were brought in to carefully demolish the remaining structure, which was built circa 1816.
As a result, commuters were faced with massive tailbacks this morning after Highways closed the A556 road between Davenham and Sandiway to clear the debris. It later reopened at about 9.30am.
The tower bricks are currently being carefully stored and a meeting is due to take place between Highways and conservationists who will consult with English Heritage to discuss the tower’s possible reconstruction.
Weaver and Cuddington councillor Charles Fifield said: “I was shocked when I saw pictures of the collision on the Cheshire police Twitter feed last night and immediately alerted the council.
“However I was very pleased to discover that the Highways Duty Officer and the Building Control Duty Officer were already on the scene.
“The officer stayed there throughout the night and morning until the unsafe structure had been demolished.
“My first thoughts are for the motorist concerned and I wish her a speedy recovery.
“I know that residents from across Northwich and beyond will be joining me today in thinking about the Round Tower – a well loved local landmark and I hope that it can be reconstructed,” he added.