Flying barrier from works slams women and buggy

A woman has been injured when a barrier from pavement works in the town centre came loose and smashed into her head and shoulder.

Jo Watts, of Ripon, was visiting Scarborough with her husband when a barrier from the works on Vernon Road flew into her and a woman with a pushchair.

She said: “Thankfully my husband and another man were heroes and caught the barrier, stopping it from pinning me to the floor.”

Having left Scarborough to return home, she was later taken to Harrogate District Hospital and there is evidence of nerve damage, she says.

The incident took place on Monday and with Storm Doris set to hit this week Mrs Watts wants to ensure the barriers are securely fitted.

Mrs Watts added: “If a gust of wind can cause that I dread to think what 50mph gales will cause. The barrier hit the woman with a pushchair too, it shows how vulnerable these people are.”

A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said: “A full investigation is being carried out and we are continuing to monitor the site to make sure that it is safe.’’

The work has also caused upset and disruption this week after the entrance to business in North Street was shut off due to the work.

Owner of Coastal Communications, Terry Bigsby said he found out he couldn’t get access to his premises when an employee called. He said: “I’ve been doing this for 14 years and I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s a ghost town.”

A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said: “Alternative access arrangements were needed today to safely complete resurfacing work and normal access should be restored tomorrow.’’