ONE of West Somerset’s most historic buildings was damaged by a 44-tonne supermarket lorry reversing into it this week.

Dunster Yarn Market was hit by a Minehead Tesco articulated delivery truck just after 9 pm on Tuesday (October 27) when trying to navigate the village roads because the A39 road is currently closed at night from 7 pm to 7 am.

Contractor Heidelberg is carrying out rolling drainage and resurfacing works in Priest Street, Williton, on behalf of Somerset Council.

The nighttime A39 closures near Williton are due to continue until November 7 with the official diversion route taking motorists through Williton and Five Bells to the Washford Cross roundabout.

A Tesco lorry trying to drive through Dunster has struck and damaged the village's historic Yarn Market. PHOTO: Gary Wilkins.
A Tesco lorry trying to drive through Dunster has struck and damaged the village's historic Yarn Market. PHOTO: Gary Wilkins. (Gary Wilkins)

The octagonal yarn market dates to the early 1600s and has been listed for more than 100 years by Historic England as a grade one heritage building.

The 31 feet diameter wooden and stone structure was built by the Luttrells who owned Dunster Castle to house medieval market stalls.

A Tesco spokesperson told the BBC: “We are very sorry that a third-party driver delivering on our behalf has damaged a section of the Dunster Yarn Market.

“We are urgently investigating how this happened and will liaise with the local authorities to discuss next steps.”

The medieval Yarn Market in the centre of Dunster has been damaged by a Tesco lorry. PHOTO: Mark Taylor.
The medieval Yarn Market in the centre of Dunster has been damaged by a Tesco lorry. PHOTO: Mark Taylor. (Mark Taylor)

Facebook page administrator Mark Taylor told the BBC of his disappointment at seeing the damage to the Yarn Market roof.

Mr Taylor said: “As it was built in 1609 and an icon in the village, there was no need for a big vehicle to be going through the village as it would not get past the tight High Street corner.

“Maybe a warning sign needs to be put up.”

Other villagers have suggested on social media that concrete bollards may need to be installed around the building to protect it.