Residents who had to be evacuated after a sinkhole appeared in their street this month, have been warned a cavity three times the size could re-appear.
Earlier this month residents in St Albans had to be evacuated after a sinkhole that was 12 metres wide and seven metres deep appeared in the street.
However, a survey conducted by Hertfordshire County Council has revealed that homes were built above a former clay pit that had been backfilled with waste. Evidence suggests a chalk mine could be underneath this, which accounts for a ‘number of anomalies’.
The survey warns this could result in another sinkhole appearing, three times the size of the existing collapse.
Rob Smith, the council's deputy director of environment, said: ‘Since we received the report we have met with residents to discuss its findings. We appreciate this is upsetting news and we are continuing to work together.’
Photo from www.www.stalbans.gov.uk
