Shock as car smashes into centuries old inn
SubmittedThe owner of a centuries old, listed village pub which was badly damaged when a car crashed into it has spoken of his shock and finding debris strewn across the restaurant area.
The Shepherds Inn in Langwathby, near Penrith, has been closed since the crash at about 04:00 GMT on Wednesday.
Stephen Wilcock, who runs the pub, said it had been a shock to see "so much rubble".
Cumbria Police said the 17-year-old driver of the car had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving, but had been released pending investigation.
The female driver of the Ford and a passenger in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.
Submitted"It's a good job there was no one in the restaurant and that it wasn't open, the amount of damage that's been done," Mr Wilcock said.
"It's a shock to see so much rubble. You'd think a lorry has come through the wall, rather than a car.
"In the winter you do all your renovations, your painting and you get ready for busy times and then part of is destroyed."
The closure meant a number of charity events had to be cancelled, although there are plans to reopen on Monday.
Mr Wilcock said there had been lots of support from the community since the crash.
"We're very grateful for that."
Correction: This story was amended from an earlier version owing to a discrepancy regarding the age of the building.