BUSINESS owners have said that it is a miracle that no one got hurt after a lorry got stuck in Bradford on Avon this afternoon which resulted in a sign being knocked into the pavement.

The R. Barkley and Sons articulated lorry, originally from Northern Ireland, came down Silver Street at around 3pm before the driver realised that he would be faced with a fine if he crossed the town bridge.

He then tried to do a U-turn on the mini roundabout at the junction of Silver Street and Market Street and in the process damaged nearby businesses including Tillions as well as knocking over a road sign which left wires out in the open.

James Vincent, who owns J Alex Brown on Silver Street, witnessed the entire thing and even rang 999 after the driver failed to stop.

He said: “It all started when he came down Silver Street and people came out of their shops to try and stop him and say that he shouldn’t be driving in the town.

“I thought I have seen everything but even when I went and waved at him to stop he wouldn’t. He said that there was nowhere to turn around despite me saying that there are clearly marked signs.”

Mr Vincent added: “I find it absolutely amazing that a professional driver, who is qualified to drive a HGV, could do that much damage. It just galvanises the importance of a scheme to stop lorries coming into the town.”

Lorry watch volunteers were also present at the scene on duty and said that if the driver had crossed the bridge, the company would have been fine – but would have resulted in less damage than it did.

Volunteer Nick Nicholls said: “If a lorry comes over the bridge then we can fine the company and then they can be prosecuted but it didn’t which caused damage.”

Balfour Beatty quickly attended the scene within 20 minutes to secure the area where the sign had fallen.

It is believed that the lorry driver was trying to redirect himself to Melksham.

Wiltshire Police confirmed that they eventually managed to locate the driver after he drove off who is now helping them with their inquiries. The company has also agreed to pay for any damage caused.