Concerns Ottery St Mary church roof may 'fall in' after car crash

There are concerns the roof of an Ottery St Mary Church may fall in after a car crashed into the side of the building over the weekend.

A 26 year-old man, Haydn Banfield, from Honiton, has been charged with drink driving following the incident.

Nub News contacted St Anthony's Church today to find out the condition of the building.

The Deacon for Ottery St Mary's St Anthony's Church, Rev. John Park told Nub News: "We were unaware of the incident until the police called at 4.30am on Sunday morning warning us that a car had crashed into the church causing extreme damage.

"The damage is quite extensive and we believe there is significant structural damage. We're concerned the roof might fall in.

"The brickwork is shifting all along the external wall. We're looking at a repair bill in the thousands of pounds, possibly even more."

Ottery St Mary's Methodist Church, across the road from St Anthony's Church, has offered the use of its hall while repairs are made to the building.

A 26-year-old man from Honiton has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving following the crash.

Police were called at 00.30am on Sunday to Mill Street, Ottery St Mary following reports of a car in a collision with the wall of St Anthony's Church.

26-year-old Haydn Banfield, from Honiton, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit.

He is due to appear at Exeter Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 26.