Delay to reopen sinkhole road after new problem

A burst water pipe in January caused a partial collapse in Kidmore Road

Work to fix a sinkhole has been delayed once again after a "secondary ground feature" was identified, Thames Water has told the BBC.

Part of Kidmore Road in Caversham, Berkshire, collapsed in January after a pipe burst.

The road has been shut ever since and in August an update from the water supplier said a 15-week programme had begun to be completed by 27 October.

But when asked for an update on Tuesday, Thames Water admitted the new discovery would lead to further delays and said: "We apologise for any inconvenience this causes and will update all stakeholders as soon as we are able to."

The spokesperson added: "During the ongoing ground stabilisation works... a secondary ground feature has been identified.

"We are now working closely with our contractors, site teams and Reading Borough Council Highways and Streetworks Department to assess the situation and agree the next steps.

"Whilst we finalise these plans it is possible that there may be temporary access restrictions and that the road closure permit and bus stop suspensions may need to be extended.

"This is essential to ensure the health and safety of the public and teams on site."

The BBC has asked when the secondary ground feature was discovered and if residents have been notified of the potential further delays.

Thames Water has said it will look into this.

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