RESIDENTS have been evacuated from their homes after a sinkhole opened up outside their properties.
The sinkhole emerged in front of a row of terraced homes on Clervaux Terrace, in Fishburn, last week.
Residents said about two weeks ago, Northumbrian Water carried out work in the area to prevent flooding however, the water supply firm insisted this was false.
Shortly after residents said the sinkhole emerged and has been expanding ever since.
A spokesperson from Northumbrian Water said: “We repaired a leak which was identified in a water main close to the hole that has opened up in Clervaux Terrace. We are now supporting Durham County Council with its wider investigations into the subsidence that has occurred.”
Nearby resident Deborah chaytor said: “There was some digging and the road and path collapsed a bit and as the days went on it continued collapsing.
"The main road is now dipping slightly and a man who works on the roads said sinkholes cause the road to widen and will eventually collapse if not rectified.
"It appears to be getting bigger at a concerning rate alarming other residents.”
Traffic lights have been put in place as a safety measure and part of the pedestrian route closed.
Councillors from Fishburn Parish Council said they were aware of the issue and have contacted Durham County Council about the issue.
Mark Readman, Durham County Council’s highways services manager, said: “We were made aware of a sinkhole at Clervaux Terrace in Fishburn last Tuesday, January 21, and our emergency response team attended to make the area safe.
“We have since erected fencing around the sinkhole and installed temporary lights to keep traffic moving.
“Our engineers have assessed the scope of the subsidence and found it extends from the highway beneath two adjacent properties, rendering them structurally unsafe. As a result,
the residents have been evacuated and our housing solutions team and civil contingencies officers have helped them find alternative accommodation.
“We are continuing to monitor the sinkhole for any further deterioration whilst liaising with other agencies.
“Repair work is planned to start on Monday, February 3.”
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