A DRIVER is said to have been left "unhurt" despite crashing onto the hard-landing steps of an art gallery in Colchester - sparking calls for a ban on cars in the area. 

Dorian Kelly, a writer, performer, and arts promoter, was walking past Firstsite when he spotted a car which had crashed outside the facility. 

The silver vehicle is said to have been quickly surrounded by youngsters offering to push it from the raised landing as its owner stood nearby. 

According to Mr Kelly, each of the steps is about a ft high meaning when car went down them its front wheels would not have been able to go over the next step.

“It must have been one hell of a shock for the driver – who did seem unhurt," he added.

Question marks have now been raised over how the motorist was able to get to the scene of the crash, given barriers are in place in East Hill to prevent vehicles from accessing the public space.

Mr Kelly has now called for cars - some of which reportedly use the area as a shortcut to a private car park behind the High Street - to be banned for the area.

“I can’t think of a better reason for completely banning vehicles from that area," he said.

"The area is not built to receive the weight of cars and is not policed at all.

“Firstsite uses that area in the summer for children workshops, for breakdancing, scootering and for general children’s sports."

Firstsite bosses have confirmed they are providing assistance to the driver.

A spokesman said: “We are currently assisting a member of the public who was involved in a driving incident in the public realm near Firstsite today.”

Essex Police and Colchester Council which owns the public land have been contacted for comment.