MP to quiz Thames Water over sewer disruption

Evendons Lane - pictured in 2022 - was disrupted for months by the work to the sinkhole

It is a "real shame" sewer faults were not found by Thames Water before problems that will shut a road until at least Christmas surfaced, an MP said.

Access through Evendons Lane in Wokingham has been shut by what Wokingham Council said are "deep underground gaps which pose a risk".

Wokingham MP Clive Jones said he will be chasing Thames Water over what it will be doing to correct the problems.

Thames Water, criticised by residents for a lack of communication, earlier this week apologised for disruption and said a specialist contractor will need to carry out the work to the sewer.

Disruption was caused in October 2022 when the lorry fell into the sinkhole

Evendons Primary School, in Evendons Lane, was briefly shut in October 2022 after a lorry fell into a sinkhole caused by a collapsed sewer.

"It's a real shame that Thames Water haven't picked this up over the last few years," Jones said.

"When they found the sinkhole it took months and months and months back in 2022.

"They said they would be checking the rest of the road to see if there was a problem. They obviously didn't find this problem.

"It's clearly with Thames Water and we have spoken to them over the last few years and I will be taking it up again with them now."

Thames Water previously said repairs have been "more complex than initially anticipated due to challenging ground conditions and the depth of the sewer".

A spokesperson added: "As a result, we've had to temporarily pause works while we bring in a specialist contractor. They are currently coordinating additional surveys to help us plan the next steps.

"We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate everyone's patience and understanding. Please be assured that we remain committed to progressing the repairs as quickly and safely as possible."