Calls to restore historic Bridge of Allan clock launched as 78-year-old arrested for crash

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A 78-year-old driver has been charged after Bridge of Allan’s historic 126-year-old Paterson Memorial Clock, outside the town’s Westerton Arms on Henderson Street, was knocked to the ground.

At around 4.20pm on Friday, an orange Mini Cooper allegedly struck a barrier as it exited a car park on Henderson Street.

It then drove on to Union Street where two parked cars were hit before finally striking the clock tower – flattening it.

The driver of the car, who was the sole occupant, was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

Police will now submit a report to the Procurator Fiscal for alleged road traffic offences.

Officers are now appealing for information to piece together the events that lead to the collision.

Constable Maxwell Polley said: “I’m keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who has not yet spoken to police to come forward. I’d also like to view any dashcam footage from Union Street and Henderson Street captured between 4.20pm and 4.30pm.”

If you have any information that you believe may assist officers with their enquiries, you can call 101 and quote incident number 2385 of Friday, December 6.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service sent three fire appliances to the scene. A spokesperson added: “One casualty was removed from the vehicle and handed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “This was a frightening accident and thankfully nobody was injured.

“The incident remains the subject of a live police investigation and we’re supporting Police Scotland’s appeal for witnesses to provide any information that may be helpful.

“Engineers have been on site over the weekend and the damage to the Paterson Memorial Clock will be fully assessed before any next steps can be taken.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP and Bridge of Allan resident, Alexander Stewart, expressed his “shock and sadness” over the damage to the clock.

“Whilst it was encouraging to learn that the driver of the car was discharged from Forth Valley Royal and that nobody else was hurt in the incident.

“I very much hope that Stirling Council this time can work together with our excellent local community groups in finding some way towards somehow rebuilding, restoring or replacing our precious 126-year-old monument to the wonderful work of Dr Alexander Paterson.”

Bridge Of Allan Community Council shared the news on their social media channels, saying: “Bridge of Allan Community Council is saddened to share that the Paterson Memorial Clock has been struck by a vehicle, and the clock section has been destroyed.

“We hope the driver of the vehicle is safe and that nobody was hurt in the incident.

“We will work with Stirling Council to understand the possibility of repair of such an important landmark.”

Bridge of Allan Green councillor Alasdair Tollemache added: “I was shocked to hear this has happened and the priority then was everyone’s safety.

“Now the immediate incident is dealt with, the restoration of the clock will be on everyone’s mind and I am assured this is being looked in to.”

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