Southern Water workers are at St Peter’s Footpath/ Church Street in Margate to carry out ‘urgent maintenance’ after a sink hole opened up yesterday (January 26).
A section of the road was cordoned off by police after the void was reported at around 3.10pm.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 3.10pm to reports of a sinkhole in Church Street, Margate. Officers attended the scene where they assisted Southern Water teams.”
The surface layer of the site collapsed, also bringing down part of a wall, opening up a gaping hole. At least one property has been evacuated.
Kent Highways say the road could be closed for up to three weeks “due to a void in carriageway between Poets Corner and the junction with Arnold Road.”
A diversion is in place via Poets Corner – Milton Avenue – Arnold Road.
Southern Water is repairing a burst main at the site. The firm says: “Our teams will be carrying out urgent maintenance. You may notice short interruptions or pressure changes to your supply throughout the day.
“We’re really sorry for any inconvenience this might cause, we aim to complete these repairs as soon as possible.
“When your water comes back on, you may notice some minor discolouration or low pressure; this is completely normal and is only temporary.”
Voids can be caused by gaps in settlement, regular shrinking and swelling of clay and silt in soil, washout due to leaking water pipes or rainwater or even tunnelling animals.
