including Beech Bottom Dyke and Sandridge Road Wastes
Still digging – efforts continue to ease access for residents of Fontmell and Bridle Close. Mud has been a real problem and now a third almost diagonal track is being developed across the Lower Field, this time with a more substantial base of sand and gravel, similar to that used on the Green Ring. It will be accessed through the old Fire Station Grounds.
While the unresolved problem of the sinkhole, or crown hole, has been less prominent in the news of late, activity has been focused on access for residents of Fontmell Close and Bridle close. It is still a very muddy, but at least residents have been connected to essential utilities. A shuttle service truck is shown alongside.
Access on foot has been improved by the extending the footpath from the children’s play area to the end of Bridle Close, but rain has made vehicular access a real problem.
Continue reading “Fontmell/Bridle Close access update”
The dramatic impact of a collapse 66 feet across on the residents of Fontmell and Bridle Close is beginning to emerge. Many have suffered loss of essential services and arrangements for emergency services have been made.
While it has been known for some time that this area of what was Bernards Heath was prone to collapse, the size of hole is unprecedented. An overlay of the 1898 OS map in this area places old clay pits very close to Fontmell Close, see below, and could well be a contributary cause.
Hertfordshire County Council is arranging for some non-intrusive ground investigation works in the area, commencing this weekend (3rd October): they will be on site for about a week. The company concerned is Geotechnology limited, and will be taking access to the site from Heathlands Drive. We await the findings with interest.