A CAR ploughed into the side of a sheltered housing complex smashing through a brick wall and into a bedroom.

South Essex Homes was forced to move two residents from its Bradfordbury housing block this afternoon after the car damaged a flat on the first floor of the block in Eastwood Old Road, Leigh.

Emergency services removed the black Ford Focus yesterday afternoon but the wall of the building was severely damaged.

The two residents have been moved into guest rooms in another sheltered housing block and offered food vouchers.

Belfairs independent councillor Stephen Aylen visited the scene.

He said: “A resident phoned me and told me what happened. There was a lot of concern and the council had about five officers there sorting out the lady who lives in the flat but there was concern about the rest of the flats.

“There are four others in that block, and it has smashed through a lady’s bedroom.”

He praised the actions of officers, adding: “The other people in the block are being well looked after, they are a bit shaken up but the residents are supporting the lady who lives there and whose flat it is, I went there and everything is all right now.

“I hope the driver is okay, it is a shock to her that this happened.

“The council support team will need to have things checked over by structural engineers once the car is removed to check the building is safe and secure.”

No-one was hurt in the crash.

Sarah Lander, director of housing operations for South Essex Homes, said: “Emergency services had already been contacted and members of our staff immediately attended the scene to support residents of the block who were understandably shaken by this incident.

“Fortunately, no-one was hurt, but there was significant damage to the building which affected a ground floor and first floor flat. Both affected residents have been moved into guest rooms at nearby sheltered housing scheme and offered food vouchers.

“Surveyors have attended and confirmed the rest of the building is safe and residents can remain in their flats. “We will continue to offer support to affected residents.”