A sinkhole on a canal towpath in Ebley that appeared eight years ago is due to be fixed.
Stroud Times understands the towpath sinkhole first collapsed around eight years ago. Since then, the hole appears to have grown deeper and wider. To protect the public, the sinkhole was cordoned off with metal railings. A few years ago, attempts were made to plug the sinkhole with sand and hardcore, but the hole reappeared.
The area is a popular tourist destination and used by hundreds of walkers, runners and cyclists each week.
Ebley resident Colette O’Neil, lives a few yards from the sinkhole, she said: “I hate the way the beautiful views and pathways have been destroyed by the enduring presence of a massive sinkhole and the metal cage around it. It presents visitors with an absolute eyesore. It has been there for years now. I can only assume that the whole quayside is deteriorating and at some point other holes will appear and that could harm people or cause subsidence to our houses.”
Stroud Times has approached landowner Persimmon Homes, who said: “We appreciate being made aware of this damage and apologise for any inconvenience caused. While responsibility for this land is unclear, as owners of the land, we will take proactive steps to rectify the issue. We are now in the process of securing local contractors and aim to complete the necessary work as swiftly as possible.”
A sinkhole is a depression or hole in the ground, caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. They can be naturally occurring or man made.
Collapses occur in urban areas due to water main breaks, or when a sewer pipe gives way.
