Chichester Observer

Calls to protect our city’s historic buildings after latest collision

- Joe Stack news@chiobserve­r.co.uk 01243 534156

Tony Keating, who lives in East Pallant, was abruptly woken up when a van collided with his 16th century house.

He is now calling for steps to be taken to stop it happening again.

Chichester District Councillor Anne Scicluna said: “It’s tragic because it is a beautiful building. They are all listed and in a conservati­on area. “

A city centre resident has said more needs to be done to protect the historic buildings after a van collided with his home.

Tony Keating, who lives in East Pallant, was abruptly woken up when a van collided with his 16th century house.

“I thought it was an earthquake or an explosion,” he said.

He is now calling for steps to be taken to stop it happening again.

Tony said: “So much effort has been put into conservati­on in Chichester and particular­ly the Pallant so it seems a pity that one of the oldest properties can be subject to regular damage from lorries and cars.

“Particular­ly when a couple of bollards could so easily protect the building as in so many other parts of the city.

“We are meant to be conservati­on minded so we should protect our buildings surely.”

West Sussex County Council said it is looking into the issue.

A West Sussex County Council spokespers­on said: “We were sorry to hear the building has been damaged.

“Officers have met with Pallants Residents’ Associatio­n a number of times in recent years and discussed ‘ historic building strikes’ at this location.

“Ultimately it is down to road users to exercise appropriat­e care on the road network.

“However, in more recent years we have improved signage and reprofiled the road to try to improve the situation for the affected residents.

“The residents’ associatio­n

contacted us about this latest incident and we will investigat­e and respond to them directly.”

Chichester District

Councillor Anne Scicluna said: “It’s tragic because it is a beautiful building. They are all listed and in a conservati­on area.

“It’s a lovely part of Chichester and we have got to protect it. It’s a matter of getting everybody together and sorting this out.”

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 ??  ?? Tony Keating is calling for steps to be taken after his home was damaged
Tony Keating is calling for steps to be taken after his home was damaged

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