Growing sinkhole deepens flood fear
ASINKHOLE that opened in the middle of a road has grown into a gaping cavern that threatens to flood gardens with sewage.
The hole appeared at the beginning of February on Hobson Street, Macclesfield, and was reported to Cheshire East Council.
But Ronald Biggar, who lives next to it, says its growth has now damaged sewage pipes and caused a blockage.
This is causing sewage to rise up through manholes in his garden, with only two visits a day from United Utilities to empty them preventing a flood.
In the meantime United Utilities cannot repair the sewage problem until the council has fixed the initial problem that caused the collapse - an underground culvert.
And the issues don’t stop there.
A second sinkhole on nearby Ryle Street has also been caused by the culvert and this is complicating the problem.
This one has been there more than 18 months and cannot have work done until insurance matters involving a private property close to the site have been resolved.
In the meantime Ronald, 77, and his wife Marjorie, 75, who has Parkinson’s, are left getting more anxious and frustrated.
He said: “It is scandalous, the council can’t even get back to me and let me know what is going on. I’ve lived here 44 years and never had any problems before. It was a little hole but then a car went over it and it completely collapsed, luckily it was a four by four so it got out.
“I don’t know when this is going to end, it’s been over three weeks already. When we get a lot of rain the level rises and you can see and smell the sewage.
“United Utilities has been great, its workmen and the council’s workmen have been excellent, but the council high ups have been a disgrace.”
Ronald, who worked for Norweb before retiring, has made an official complaint to the council.
A United Utilities spokesman said: “Our engineers did attend the site of our damaged sewer on Hobson Street in Macclesfield as planned last Friday.
“Unfortunately, they are unable to carry out the required repairs until Cheshire East Council has completed its own investigations into its collapsed culvert which is located directly below our sewer.”
A Cheshire East Council spokesman added: “As previously stated, we are investigating this issue and we are working with United Utilities to try to remedy the problem as quickly as possible.
“There is a defective culvert and an associated problem with the sewerage system. Repairs to the sewer are the responsibility of United Utilities.
“We have advised the resident on progress and will continue to update him.”