Resident angry at destroyed property

An elderly Gate Pa resident is shaken and angry after a vehicle crashed into her property in the early hours of this morning leaving it in ruins for the fifth time.

Mrs Hughes, who did not want her first name used, was woken at 5am when a vehicle lost control and smashed into the fence at her Tom Muir Drive property taking out a tree.

A vehicle crashed into Mrs Hughes property in Gate Pa this morning leaving a trail of debris.

The 70-year-old pensioner ran outside after she heard “a screech of brakes and a loud crash” but they driver had already fled the scene.

This is the fifth time in 10 years Mrs Hughes property has been damaged by a car crashing into it, and she has had enough.

“It has been a tough morning.

“I stood out there and laughed like hell when it happened, I thought here we go again.”

Mrs Hughes lives alone and says it is up to her to clean up the mess every time.

“It’s made a hell of a mess this time; the whole fence has got to be replaced.

“I’ve just rung the insurance company and they’re virtually laughing too saying they can’t believe it.

“They told me I can start cleaning up if I want to.”

The fence at the property has been almost completely destroyed.

Neighbour Maxine Paterson says she heard a loud band and ran outside to find a car speeding off down the street.

“It woke my daughter up with a big fright. We ran outside and the neighbour’s property was destroyed.”

She says neighbours came out and were all looking for a car but couldn’t see one.

“It sounded like it might be damaged.”

Mrs Hughes says the street has speed bumps in place to deter fast drivers but they clearly do not work.

“It doesn’t stop them – it’s just an exciting challenge and makes it more fun.”

She says police are unable to do anything about it but have suggested she install a metal barrier outside her home.

Tyre tracks show where the vehicle crashed through the property.