ACTION is finally being taken to protect the centre of Sherston after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused by lorries beating a destructive path through the village.

The wheels are now in motion on a plan to offer more protection at the Triangle, where the B4040 meets Noble Street.

The area has suffered various forms of damage over the years, with lorries driving over the grass that makes up the Triangle, smashing a commemorative Royal British Legion bench and destroying the adjacent stone wall belonging to the Sherston Wine Company.

However, thanks to significant investment from Wiltshire Council through the Malmesbury Area Board, the junction will now be given additional signage as well as protection for the grass area.

Wiltshire Council will pay for the majority of work, estimated to cost up to £4,500, and the parish council will cover 30 per cent of the bill.

John Matthews, chairman of the parish council, said the Triangle is important to the village.

“It is one of the focal points in the village,” he said.

“Lorries seem to be getting bigger and over the years have been clipping off the corner at the junction.

“HGV drivers that have gone the wrong way, see the grass triangle, try to manoeuvre round it and fail.”

Cllr Matthews said the council had landed on a scheme that would protect the Triangle as well as being acceptable to residents.

“Everyone thinks there is a proliferation of signs, so you have to strike a balance somewhere,” he said.

“We’re going to introduce various signage and some solid planters as well as beefing up the wall and redoing the pavement.

“It won’t stop cars but will prevent even the most adventurous of lorry drivers.”

June Godwin owns the Sherston Wine Company which is situated on the corner of the Triangle.

The shop has had its wall knocked down several times, leading to thousands of pounds in repairs.

“Lorries have knocked the wall down three or four times over last few years, doing a considerable amount of damage to it,” she said.

“Each time I’m lucky as my insurance hasn’t gone up, but it’s a massive a nuisance and blocks the road with the debris.

“Lorries are too big to come through the village. When they’re lost, the Triangle is the only place for them to turn around.”

It is hoped that work will begin in the New Year.