Concern as sinkhole opens on main road
ALARGE sinkhole has mysteriously appeared prompting safety concerns and leading to the closure of a busy road.
United Utilities issued an update on the work it’s doing to repair the road after being alerted to a ground ‘depression’ on Kirklake Road in Formby on Monday, April 25.
The access route leads directly to Formby beach and has remained closed for safety reasons after an inspection by the Highways department.
It is not the first time this stretch of road has been closed. Only last year, Kirklake Road was reported to have been similarly impacted by a ‘road depression’ which led to it being blocked off for a number of weeks.
More generally, Formby has suffered its fair share of sinkhole-related issues in the last few years with a number of incidents being recorded. In 2022, parts of Victoria Road were completely closed after a sinkhole appeared next to a railway line.
Before that, a ‘10 foot’ sinkhole appeared on Gores Lanes in 2020 – causing the road to be cordoned off by firefighters and subsequently closed for two weeks.
According to the British Geological Survey, sinkholes can be caused by the erosion of weak material by flowing water. Warning signs include the appearance of deepening, tiny cracks which can become larger over time and lead to collapse.
However, the organisation also adds: “Construction and development modifying surface drainage or altering the loads imposed on the ground without adequate support can cause sinkholes to develop.”
Over recent years, concerns have been raised by Formby residents about the issue of new housing developments and the potential risk of flooding in the area.
Although there is no confirmed link between the appearance of sinkholes in Formby and any construction projects, there is real concern among some residents about infrastructure projects in the area and their impact.
As highlighted by the Highways assessment, sinkholes can also be a cause for significant safety concerns with motorists, pedestrians and cyclists all affected by the road collapse and the resulting closures.
John posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, to highlight the issue to United Utilities. It said: “This is now a hazard for cyclists and motorists alike and will likely cause significant damage if not sorted as it’s getting worse daily. Please act urgently.”
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Sefton Council contacted United Utilities
last night to alert us to a road depression opposite Kirklake Road, Formby.
“The highways department then closed the road for the safety of the public. We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst we carry out priority investigations into what has happened and carry out repairs.”