A GAPING hole has been left in the wall of a recently built house in Helsby after a council gritter lorry ploughed into it in the early hours of the morning.

Chester Road, Helsby, was closed for much of Monday, December 17, after the bright yellow vehicle smashed into the front fence and wall of the home near the Tesco supermarket.

The driver had a lucky escape as the porch of the house smashed through the windscreen of the Cheshire West and Chester vehicle that was out gritting the roads to imporve safety for motorists during the recent cold snap.

The occupants of the house are all safe and well but have had to vacate the property and stay with friends and family just a week before Christmas.

Police were called to Chester Road in Helsby at around 1am on Monday to find the yellow lorry wedged into the address on the end of a terrace.

Cheshire Constabulary said the driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure but is not believed to have sustained any serious injuries.

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The force added that all the occupants of the address are safe and well, have been temporarily rehoused with friends and family.

The A56 in Helsby was completely closed as a result of the collision and diversions were put in place via the M56.

Anyone with any information on the collision is asked to contact Cheshire Police.

Councillor Karen Shore, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for environment, said: "Our thoughts go out to the families living in the two Helsby properties affected by this incident.

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"We are thankful that nobody was injured following this collision. The vehicle's driver was taken to hospital last night but has since been discharged and the residents were shaken but unhurt.

"Council officers have been in touch with the families affected by this incident to offer our immediate assistance and support. We will remain in contact with them in case they need other assistance in the medium to longer term.

"The council's building control officers have been on site since the incident occurred and have advised on the safety and security of the buildings.

"The gritting wagon has now been removed and construction and stabilisation work has been carried out to the two houses to make them safe and secure. The road has now reopened.

"Cheshire West and Chester Council is liaising with our gritting contractor, Ringway, and will be assisting police with its ongoing investigation and is unable to offer any further comment."

During the day bus passengers faced delays and diversions on services through Frodsham and Helsby, including services to Chester, Elton and Runcorn.