15234/14A LORRY driver sparked safety fears after jamming his vehicle on a village bridge near Trowbridge.

Police were called to deal with the marooned low-loader on Friday morning after it became jammed on the crest of the bridge over the Kennet and Avon canal at Staverton.

The road was closed for more than an hour from 10am while rescue crews used sleepers to edge the trapped vehicle forward inch by inch.

Inspectors from Ringway Parkman were called to examine the bridge and declared it safe for use.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash and could bring charges against the haulage company involved.

Staverton Parish Council chairman Lesley Warne said the accident proved the need for a bypass.

"The bridge was not built to take this kind of traffic, either the volume, weight or size," she said.

"I am not surprised this has happened. It is meant for horse and carts.

"I believe a bypass is the answer. When the Hilperton Gap road goes through we will be inundated with traffic. Staverton will once again become a bottleneck."