An Essex estate agency boss is relieved that no one was hurt when a vehicle ploughed into his branch in the early hours of Sunday morning leaving his office in chaos, but saying he is determined to ‘keep trading’.

Stephen Lane of Stephen Lane Estate Agents says the incident has left him “infuriated” but assures customers operations will continue as normal at his Canvey branch.

Charged

The driver, Mabel Rodgers, 29, has since been charged with drink driving after her car hit the Furtherwick Road office shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Lane received an emergency call from a neighbouring business and immediately rushed to meet the police at the scene. He told Echo News: “I’m still baffled as to how much damage has been caused. Luckily, we are able to continue regardless.”

He adds, though, that the collision left the office in “a complete mess” and he had to remain at the premises overnight until it could be secured. Despite extensive damage to furniture and fittings, he was able to reassure clients that no keys or personal information had been compromised.

We hope to turn what could have been a devastating event into a mild inconvenience, and just thank our lucky stars that no one was in the office at the time.”

“We hope to turn what could have been a devastating event into a mild inconvenience, and just thank our lucky stars that no one was in the office at the time.”

Rodgers, of Clifton Avenue in Benfleet, was arrested at the scene and released on bail to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

Pictures from Google and Stephen Lane Estate Agents.