A LARGE sinkhole has closed a residential road and caught the attention of a BCP Councillor.

Parkwood Road in Bournemouth is currently closed whilst Wessex Water undergo emergency sewer repair works.

Residents reported the sinkhole measuring one metre deep to the local council.

Bournemouth Echo:

According to a public notice from BCP Council, the temporary traffic regulation order to enable Wessex Water to carry out emergency repair works on a collapsed sewer

Full emergency services access will be maintained and access to properties will be maintained depending on site safety.

A diversion for motorists has been put in place via West Road and Darracott Road.

A BCP Councillor has visited the work site and been in communication with Wessex Waters and nearby residents about the repairs to the road.

Councillor George Farquhar said: “It is understandable that other jobs may take priority and giving a window until June 14 allows that flexibility to the crews fixing leaks and issues across Dorset.

“Wessex Waters sent a crawler camera on stilts above the level of the water.

"As suspected the top of the main sewer below the sinkhole had collapsed.

“This released water after heavy rain overflowed from the broken sewer pipe.

“Over many months this washed away the substrate below the road surface creating an empty void.”

“This hole is approximately 1m deep and the sewer will be about 3 meters down. So a way to go yet before the sewer is exposed and repairs begin.

“On the plus side, there is no loss of water pressure to the street since it is a busted sewer that was leaking and we're enjoying the lack of through traffic in the road.”

The works began on May 29 and are expected to be completed on June 14.

The ward councillor also mentioned the inconsiderate driving surrounding the worksite: “It is regrettable that a few drivers have chosen to ignore the signs to find an alternative route.

“To save a couple of minutes on their journey they have been swerving round the safety barriers and driving on the pavement at speed.”

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Parkwood Road is closed between Darracott Road and West Road for safety reasons while we repair a collapsed sewer.

"There is access for residents and emergency vehicles, with no interruption to customers’ water or sewerage services.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this emergency work, which is scheduled to finish by Friday 14 June.”