More delays for Dorking amid sinkhole 'complexities'

West Street has been closed since a sinkhole appeared in August

A centre road could remain closed for longer than anticipated after "further complexities" were found during sinkhole repair work.

West Street, in Dorking, was shut to traffic when the sinkhole appeared on 30 August.

Thames Water had said the road would be closed until mid-November after sewer pipe damage and further leaks were discovered.

But the utility is taking a "find and fix approach" and has warned it "may need to review" the completion date.

In a statement, Thames Water said: Our initial review suggested the defected section was isolated and a spot repair could be completed.

"However, upon excavating the initial area and undertaking further non-intrusive surveys and investigations, the defected section is not isolated and there are further complexities."

Businesses have already said they are counting the cost of weeks of disruption to trade.

An overland sewer pipe has been installed while Thames Water isolate and repair the underground pipe

The water company said it has repaired a leak on a water pipe belonging to SES Water.

It has also installed an overland sewer pipe and temporary pumps.

But, it said, excavations and surveys have found the defected section of pipe is not isolated and "there are further complexities".

There is further damage to the 30m section of surface water sewer, which gets within closer proximity to the buildings on West Street.

It said there are also "several un-mapped connections" intro the sewer, which need to be brought into the centre of the carriageway for the repair.

'Necessary repairs'

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "The challenge we currently have with confirming the full extent of defects is the volume of broken brickwork within the sewer that has been washed downstream, preventing traditional survey (camera) methods."

A proposed pedestrian crossing will not be installed to cross West Street due to logistics, health and safety and to prevent further delays.

The spokesperson added: "I would like to apologise for any impact this event has had and we’d like to thank you for your patience whilst we carry out these necessary repairs."