Footage of the incident shows a lorry reversing into the cast-iron structure, causing it to topple onto the pavement and shatter. The clock, situated outside the Vale Hotel, was erected in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and was originally paid for through public donations.
Cricklade Town Council, which owns and maintains the landmark, has promised urgent action to restore it. In a statement, the council said: “The word ‘iconic’ is overused but in this case it is certainly appropriate.
“The Clock has stood at the centre of our town for over 125 years and is seen by thousands of passing travellers every day.”
Council chairman Mark Clarke told the BBC it was a “sad day” for Cricklade, describing the damage as extensive.
“It’s very badly damaged…it’s cast iron, so it’s shattered in various places, it’s a hell of a mess,” he said.
The incident is not the first time the historic landmark has been struck by a vehicle. In 1945, a military vehicle knocked the clock down, damaging its face, which was subsequently repaired.
The clock has been Grade II listed since November 1976, recognising its architectural and historical significance. The latest collision has also renewed concerns among residents about heavy goods vehicles travelling through Cricklade’s historic High Street.
Local resident Ceri Whitehead told the BBC that the town struggled with the volume of traffic passing through, describing the clock as a focal point of the community, particularly at Christmas when it is traditionally decorated.
The town council has already contacted its insurers and announced plans to move the damaged clock into safe storage while arrangements for its restoration are considered. Although the full cost and timescale of repairs remain unknown, the council has reassured residents that it intends to return the landmark to its former glory.
