Coach stuck on Church Street in Christchurch, outside Chicken & Blues restaurant

A COACH got completely trapped for over three hours after trying to take a tight corner in Christchurch and had to be rescued by police.

Staff at the Chicken and Blues restaurant were stunned when the coach belonging to the Solent became wedged between them and the building across Church Street this morning (Tuesday).

Dave Lowe, general manager of the eatery, told the A&T: “It appeared the driver just turned the corner too harshly. The coach got firmly stuck right outside our place.

“It was wedged tight against the corner of the building across from us.

“A window on the coach was smashed and it wasn’t going anywhere without help.”

Josh Simons, co-founder of Chicken & Blues, took photos of the coach’s plight before helping other staff give out free milkshakes to those trapped on board.

Mr Lowe said: “The passengers were a bit shocked and the driver was very unhappy. We gave out about 55 milkshakes and made sure everyone was okay.

“The police attended as did the council. The council had to prop up the building opposite before the coach could be manoeuvred back and forth so it could make the turn.

“Loads of people stopped to watch and take videos and photos. It certainly was an exciting start to the day.”

Mr Lowe said the coach got stuck around 9am and was freed at about 12.30pm.

He said: “I think both passengers and coach driver were very relieved.”

A National Express Transport Solutions spokesperson said: “We can confirm that one of our Solent Coaches vehicles was involved in an incident on Church Street in Christchurch this morning.

“There was some minor damage to the vehicle but no reported injuries. All passengers were safely transferred to a replacement vehicle to continue their journey shortly afterwards.

“We apologise for any distress or disruption that this may have caused.”

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We received a report at 10.01am that a bus was stuck between two buildings in Church Street in Christchurch.

“Officers attended to assist with traffic management and road closures were put in place. The vehicle was recovered and officers left the scene shortly after 12pm.”

After photos were posted on Chicken and Blues Facebook page one person joked: “Thought you were a drive through!”