A PLAQUE installed more than 50 years ago to celebrate the centenary of Barrow has been destroyed after a car crashed into it on the Coast Road.

The driver of a Volkswagen Golf was involved in the single-vehicle collision yesterday morning on the A5087 between Roosebeck and Rampside.

The 32-year-old Barrow man lost control of his vehicle and left the road, crashing into a slate stone block before ending up on the beach.

The stone structure included a presentation plaque to mark 100 years since the borough of Barrow was established.

Peter Garwood who was chairman of Barrow Round Table from 1996-1997 explained: "Members of Barrow Round Table presented the seat to Barrow Borough Council to celebrate the Centenary of the Borough of Barrow in 1967.

"It marks the boundary between the Barrow Borough and South Lakeland councils.

"The presentation plaque was retrieved after the crash by another member and I now have it safe."

The single-vehicle collision happened at around 6.57am yesterday and led to the road being closed for around an hour while the car was recovered.

The motorist was taken to Furness General Hospital with injuries which police said were not believed to be life-threatening.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police said: “Police were called at 6.57am on 12th March to a single vehicle road traffic collision off of the Coast Road near Roosebeck.

“The incident involved a Volkswagen Golf, drive by a 32 year old man from Barrow. The vehicle left the road and ended up on the beach.

“The road was closed for a short period of time whilst emergency service include ambulance attended the scene.

“The man was taken to hospital with injuries believed to be not life-changing.”

Former members of Barrow Round Table, which closed around seven years ago, hope to have the plaque reinstalled.

This will be subject to checking relevant permissions with Cumbria County Council.