A TEENAGER is devastated after a car crashed into a plant box he helped build in memory of his grandmother.

The incident happened when a silver BMW saloon came off the road on Wednesday morning, colliding with the ornament in Cricklade Road.

Brenden Pithers, 14, was part of a group which built the structure and then planted the seeds two years ago. It was done as part of Swindon Borough Council’s young wardens scheme aimed at those aged between seven and nine.

Brenden, a Kingsdown School pupil, was over the age limit but he told the organisers he wanted to take part in tribute to his grandmother Dorothy Pithers, who had recently died.

He said: “When I heard what had happened I felt like all my hard work had gone to waste because we put so much effort had gone into it. I felt very heartbroken. If there is a project to repair the plant box I would like to be part of it.”

Brenden’s mother Diana, who lives in Penhill Drive, broke the news to her son.

She said: “He had so much pride taking part in the young wardens scheme, especially as he was doing it memory of my mother.

"I know that the kids who were part of the project will be devastated as this was a big thing for them and made them feel like an active part of the community.

“I know my son would be very happy to help with any repairs.”

The council plans to repair the plant box.

Richard Freeman, Swindon Borough Council spokesperson, said: “This was put up a couple of years ago as a project for a group of seven to nine-year-old young wardens, who are led by the housing team’s neighbourhood wardens.

“They were rightly very proud of it and it has a plaque attached to mark their efforts, so it’s really disappointing that it’s now been hit by a car.

“We’ll be looking to repair or replace it once we’ve had chance to properly assess the damage.”

After the BMW collided with the planter, the driver, a 40-year-old man, was taken to Great Western Hospital by ambulance to be treated for breathing difficulties.

Wiltshire Police closed the road, along with a section of Cricklade Road, while the vehicle was removed. It reopened on Wednesday afternoon.