Hole in road brings misery to north Norwich residents
Kate ScotterPeople living in a street north of the city are facing more misery after subsidence was discovered where a water main burst on Christmas Eve.Kate Scotter
People living in a street north of the city are facing more misery after subsidence was discovered where a water main burst on Christmas Eve.
Investigations are under way after the water main broke in Spencer Street, off Sprowston Road, Norwich, on December 24.
At the time, water streamed down the street and people living nearby were left with low water pressure over Christmas.
Engineers from Anglian Water fixed the pipe on Boxing Day and returned days later after a second leak was discovered just metres further down the road.
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Part of the road has since been closed off, causing disruption for motorists, and some cracks have been noticed in the houses nearby.
Now, Anglian Water's team is carrying out investigations as there is some evidence of subsidence at the junction of Spencer Street and Northcote Road.
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A spokesman for the water firm said: 'At this stage, we can't tell if it was the subsidence which took away the main or if it was the burst water main which caused the subsidence, but investigations are ongoing.'
The road is currently closed off at the junction of Northcote Road. Yesterday, binmen could be seen walking down the road to collect the bins, which have been sitting outside for days after the snow, as the truck could not get down the street.
Sue Pittman, 51, who lives on the corner of Spencer Street and Northcote Road with her son Adam, said: 'I've got a disabled 26-year-old son in a wheelchair and it's been a lot of hassle, especially over Christmas. We had low pressure and I couldn't shower him. It's a real worry and the problems just seem to be escalating.'
She said their drains were also now blocked and the courtyard outside the property had sunk, which may be related to the problem.
Piers Ranson, who lives in a flat above Ms Pittman, said: 'The manholes have sunk; there are cracks on the boundary wall and the gate has shifted down and won't go into the latch now. My neighbour has also noticed cracks in his house.
'Communication from Anglian Water has been unsatisfactory to say the least. I've had no contact personally from anyone; no one's rung or written to me.'
Are you facing serious subsidence problems? Call Evening News reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk
