A family in New Mills, Derbyshire, has described living in their first home as a "nightmare" due to ongoing damage caused by delivery lorries servicing the adjacent Sainsbury's Local. Sam Dodd, 27, who lives on Torr Top Street, says his property has been repeatedly hit by vehicles over the past three years, raising serious concerns for the safety of his one-year-old son and the structural integrity of their 19th-century terraced house.
Mr Dodd, a carpenter and joiner, explained that the front garden wall has been demolished twice by lorries, and he has spent thousands of pounds on repairs, as well as engaging surveyors and solicitors. He claims that despite these efforts, Sainsbury's has not provided a substantive resolution. A structural engineer's report, shared with Sainsbury's, indicated that the gable wall has "succumbed to lateral pressures caused by Sainsbury's vehicles on the loading bay area" and recommended no vehicles park within 2.5 metres of the property. However, Mr Dodd stated that lorries continue to park mere inches from his home.
The father expressed significant distress over his son's safety, particularly as the child has recently started walking. He recounted one incident where large stones from the wall bounced off his front door, forcing his visiting grandmother to climb over rubble to enter the house. Beyond the immediate safety worries, Mr Dodd is also concerned about the long-term implications for the property's value and future saleability, believing these ongoing issues will "blight the value" of his home.
Sainsbury's has acknowledged the concerns, stating they "want to be a good neighbour" and "take concerns like this seriously." The supermarket chain confirmed they are in contact with Mr Dodd through their insurers, who are currently investigating the claims. Furthermore, Sainsbury's indicated that notices are being placed in the loading bay to warn lorry drivers, and they will be encouraged to use the car park for turning manoeuvres in the future to mitigate further incidents.
Councillor Charlotte Hill, Cabinet Member for Highways at Derbyshire County Council, has also voiced her understanding of Mr Dodd's frustration. The council was contacted by High Peak Borough Council in April regarding the matter. While a road weight limit was deemed ineffective as it wouldn't prevent legitimate store deliveries, Cllr Hill confirmed she would be writing to Sainsbury's to request their cooperation in coordinating deliveries and ensuring drivers are aware of the tight bend and exercise extra care when manoeuvring in the area.