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Watch: Pub chimney being lowered on safety grounds after car crash near Dudley

The chimney at a historic public house struck by a car near Himley near Dudley has been shortened on safety grounds.

By Deborah Hardiman
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Last updated

The work followed a structural investigation at the 300-year-old Old Bush pub in Swindon which was damaged when a black Vauxhall Astra crashed through the side of the building, leaving a large hole in the wall under the chimney breast on October 30(Thurs).

The Old Bush Pub in Swindon near Himley was struck by a car
The Old Bush Pub in Swindon near Himley was struck by a car

 Workmen have since been seen at the site where they have been making the building safe by lowering the height of the chimney top by removing some of the bricks.

A workman lowering the chimney
A workman lowering the chimney

The premises which is part of the Admiral Taverns chain. 

Part of the road outside the pub has been closed while the work is carried out and the site remains closed.

The Old Bush Pub in Swindon, in the aftermath of the crash following a visit by structural engineers
The Old Bush Pub in Swindon, near Himley. Hit by a car. Today Wulfrun Building Services were making safe the chimney by taking some of the height off of it. This is where the car hit. Nobody inside for comment.

A man living at the pub's flat phoned the licensee in the aftermath of the collision which happened at about 12.50am. 

The Old Bush Pub in Swindon, near Himley. Hit by a car. Today Wulfrun Building Services were making safe the chimney by taking some of the height off of it. This is where the car hit. Nobody inside for comment.
The Old Bush Pub in Swindon, near Himley. Hit by a car. Today Wulfrun Building Services were making safe the chimney by taking some of the height off of it. This is where the car hit. Nobody inside for comment.
The Old Bush Pub in Swindon near Himley
The Old Bush Pub in Swindon

Ambulance and fire crews were called, but the occupants of the car had left the scene. The safety work was being done by Wolverhampton based Wulfrun Building Services.

A spokeswoman for Admiral Taverns said: "We are aware of the incident at The Old Bush in Dudley in the early hours of Thursday, October 30. 

"Thankfully, the resident on site was not injured. 

"The pub will remain closed until further notice while we aid the police with their investigation and support our licensee and her team.”