The new gates pictured earlier this year before they were damaged

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Lorry damages newly repaired listed gatehouse

By

Alan Golden

February 22, 2013

WITHIN days of the completion of an expensive refurbishment of the brickwork forming the original gatehouse of Wonersh Church Green, disaster struck.

A tipper truck was attempting to drive through the gatehouse entrance onto the green when the vehicle’s ladder became impaled on the wrought iron fascia at the top of the arch.

This was holding in place the two wrought iron gates underneath, providing stability to the whole structure.

In an attempt to disentangle itself, the truck’s movement sheared off the bearings securing the fascia and pulled down the extremely heavy fascia from its roof bearings and tore away the hinges securing the gates.

“The truck belongs to a local company, the owner of which has acknowledged responsibility,” said trustee, Cathy Taylor, who pointed out that the restoration had only been made possible by “many generous donations” from villagers and other members of the public.

“The repair work requires extra care, not only for safety reasons, but also because the gatehouse is Grade II-listed, meaning work undertaken is obliged to adhere to specific stipulations,” she said, adding that the trustees of Wonersh Church Green Trust were working to ensure that the fascia and gates were restored as soon as possible.