A Moray couple face being homeless this Christmas after a van crashed through the walls of their home.
Kevin Burton has been warning roads bosses for nearly a year that traffic on the A95 Keith road could collide his Craigellachie house.
Yesterday, the mechanic’s worst fears came true when a van ploughed into the side the property on Victoria Street while he was sleeping.
Police have now confirmed a 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged careless driving offence.
Mr Burton described seeing the van “embedded” in his hallway after being woken up by the sound of it smashing through the wall at around 12.20am.
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He said: “I was sleeping when I heard a loud bang. I didn’t know what had happened but could tell something wasn’t right in the hallway – there was a van stuck in the middle of the house.”
Mr Burton added: “I’ve been worried about traffic coming through here ever since we moved in in February.
“I’ve actually been in discussions with Transport Scotland about having a crash barrier installed, essentially because I was worried something might hit the house – now it has.”
Engineers have advised Mr Burton and his wife to move out on safety grounds while repairs are made to the property.
However, the couple, who have two dogs and chickens, are refusing to move to ensure their pets are looked after.
Mr Burton added: “It’s going to get boarded up but I can’t just leave the pets here. It’s all very well finding us something temporarily but we can’t leave without them.
“We were supposed to be heading away to visit our children for Christmas but I don’t think that will be happening now.”
Emergency crews were called to the Speyside village shortly after midnight.
Officers closed the A95 at Victoria Street while the van was recovered and debris cleared from the scene.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Yesterday, structural engineers attended to assess the damage.
A police spokeswoman said: “Emergency services were called to the Victoria Street area of Craigellachie at about 12.20am yesterday following a one-vehicle collision.
“A 32-year-old man has been charged in relation to an allegation of careless driving. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We are not aware of any historical injury accidents at this location, but will investigate the matter and consider appropriate action, once investigations by Police Scotland are complete.”