Repairs under way at balti takeaway 'deliberately driven into' by 4x4
Councillors have urged the community to get behind the takeaway after the ram raid.
Workers have been carrying out repairs to a Black Country takeaway left damaged after a 4x4 ploughed into the front of it.
The shop front of Lane Head Balti, on High Road, in Willenhall, was left badly damaged after a 4x4 drove into it at around 6.20pm on Tuesday.
No-one was hurt in the crash, which police believe to have been deliberate.
Work has now started to repair the damage, with workers already on-site to repair the takeaway.
Bricks were strewn across the shop floor as the brickwork underneath the shop windows was almost completely destroyed.
The car then drove off.
Ward councillors have urged people to continue to support the business, which has remained open despite the significant damage caused in the crash.
Councillor Sarah Jane Cooper, who represents Short Heath and is based opposite the takeaway, said: "It's been an absolute nightmare because I'm based opposite the building and I mean, it's absolutely horrendous because they had to keep the takeaway open from a financial point of view and they were doing deliveries – so they were having to cook there.
"It's unbelievable because whoever did it drove off and it's completely unacceptable.
"I reckon it's still going to be a couple of days work [to repair the damage]."
Councillor Daniel Barker, who represents Short Heath, said: "It's disheartening to see any crime like this against a shop and clearly, in terms of the local economy, it's going to affect it.
"I'm sorry to hear about it.
"I'm sure the community will rally around. It's that kind of community and one would hope so."
Despite the attack, it is believed the takeaway continued to take food orders over the phone.
Lane Head Balti has been contacted for comment.
West Midlands Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
People with information can contact police on live chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference number 20WS/6489M/19.
