Town centre sinkhole will require 'complex' repair

A large pipe seen on the road next to blue plastic fencing and with shops and buildings in the backgroundImage source, Julia Gregory/BBC
Image caption,

Thames Water said the repair will be a complex one

  • Published

A sinkhole which appeared in a Dorking road was caused by the "failure of a surface water line" and stretches around 50m (160ft).

It first appeared in West Street in Dorking on 30 August, when the road was closed to cars, and has since been investigated by Thames Water.

A spokesperson confirmed the water company would be fixing a damaged surface water pipe in the road.

They did not respond to questions about when the repairs might be carried out or how long they would take.

Image source, Julia Gregory/BBC
Image caption,

West Street in Dorking is closed to cars

The spokesperson added: "This is a complex repair and will require traffic management so that our engineers can safely carry out the necessary work.

"We are sorry for any disruption caused to local residents and motorists during this time."

Surrey Highways said on Wednesday in a post on X there had been a failure of a surface water line, stretching for about 50m.

They added: "We are waiting for Thames Water to take over the site from us and for a date for the repair works."

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