A COUPLE were left heartbroken after a car veered off the road and crashed into their house – destroying the classic car that was their “pride and joy”.

Janet and Chris Drinkwater, of Galliard Road, Edmonton, returned home on the evening of December 27 after spending Christmas with family to find it had become a scene of “utter devastation”.

Enfield Independent:

 

Their garden fence was in pieces, the bricks at the front of the house collapsed and their trees and bushes were completely mangled, blocking their way.

But the most shocking part for the couple was seeing their prized 1979 Triumph Dolomite, a family heirloom, had been struck, causing severe damage.

Mr Drinkwater, 65, had to climb over the wreckage to get into his front door as his wife is in a wheelchair after complications from polio as a child.

He said: “It was a nightmare. We were in a state of shock when we got home – it was very tough.

“That car has sentimental value and I took real pride in it. I’d recently spent £3,000 on it and now it could be written off.

“It was my father’s, James Henry. He had it from new and I still take my mum out in it. I feel anxious – I hope it’s repairable. The rear boot lid and two side windows are damaged, while the exhaust is hanging off.

“Luckily, the car saved the property. Had it not been there it would have crashed right into our bungalow and as the bedrooms are at the front that would have been it.”

Enfield Independent:

Eight years ago – just days after having their home redecorated and a wet room installed – their property was also damaged by a man crashing into the front of their house while they were out.

It caused £9,000 worth of damage but the couple were unable to shower or sleep in their bedroom for a number of weeks.

They are now petitioning for safety measures to be installed on their street, which they say has become a “racetrack” for fast drivers.

A total of 39 of their neighbours have backed their campaign for speed bumps, bollards, width restrictions or a speed camera further up the road.

Mr Drinkwater, a grandfather, added: “It’s the last straw, something has to be done. It is bound to happen again, if it’s not us it could be someone else.

“Vehicles come down the road making such a noise, that’s how fast they go.”

Mrs Drinkwater, 66, said: “I was terribly upset – more so about the car. It is Chris’s pride and joy, he loves it but it is completely bashed up.

“We are having deja-vu and cannot believe this has happened again. We came home and it was a scene of utter devastation. We cannot let it go on.

“Cars come whizzing up the bend to here and it is madness. We need the council to do something about the situation on our road.”

An Enfield Council spokesman said: “We will consider any representation from residents regarding this matter and decide what action, if any, is required.”

A 22-year-old man was charged with driving offences and bailed to appear at Highbury Magistrates Court after the crash, on December 27 at 1.30am.