Sinkhole repairs progressing well, says water firm

The sinkhole first appeared in West Street in Dorking on 30 August, when the road was closed to traffic

Repairs to a sinkhole in a Surrey town centre are "progressing well", Thames Water has said.

The sinkhole first appeared in West Street in Dorking on 30 August, when the road was closed to traffic.

Thames Water previously said a longer section of pipe needed repairing after "more defects than previously expected" were discovered.

In a recent update, the company said: "Work to repair a broken surface water pipe on West Street is progressing well and our contractors remain on course to be finished and off-site by mid-November."

Thames Water has said they will need to return next year to complete their work in West Street

The water firm added that West Street, home to many antique shops, will be open in time for Christmas.

However, a second visit to the site will be needed "due to the scale of the damage".

A spokesperson said: "We will need to return next year to carry out more repair work further along the pipe.

"Our inspections have shown damage caused by rubble in the initial collapse and further structural issues in the brickwork."