REPAIR work has started on the Boulevard Arcade canopy, damaged by a delivery lorry.

Shoppers looked on in horror as the lorry reversed into the Victorian-style canopy in Leigh town centre, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The £35,000 awning, erected 16 months ago, was knocked sideways while the lorry was delivering to a wine store in Bradshawgate.

Arcade owner, Mr Eddie Grinrod, said: "The driver was being guided backwards by a marshal, but the lorry ran into the left post with one heck of a thump. It's a heavy bit of iron to be shunted sideways.

"The accident caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the canopy which has become something of a talking point in Bradshawgate. It will be a major operation to put it right."

The company which build the canopy, Andy Thornton of Leeds, has started repair work.

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