Lorry Trapped in Sinkhole During Repair Work
A lorry became stuck in a sinkhole after being dispatched to repair it on Butleigh Drove, near Walton in Somerset. The ground gave way beneath the vehicle, leaving it at a near 45-degree angle and forcing the workers to abandon it.
Local Officials Comment on Road Conditions
Contractors from Stabilised Pavements were carrying out the repair work when the incident occurred. Lucy Trimmell, an opposition councillor, criticized the council’s road repair strategy, comparing it to
“trying to darn a pair of fishnet tights”and warned that the road network was
“rapidly deteriorating.”
Richard Wilkins, the portfolio holder for transport and waste services, explained that council contractors have been addressing damage caused by Storm Chandra in January, along with other weather-related impacts. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service,
“As with other parts of the country, the recent cycle of wet and freezing conditions has led to a sudden deterioration in many roads.”
Council Statement on Repair Work and Recovery Efforts
A spokesperson for Somerset Council provided further details, stating:
“Planned highway works are taking place on Butleigh Moor Drove (also known as Butleigh Drove) near Walton, and these works are being delivered by contractors.
The road is constructed on peat and has experienced significant movement and rutting. Issues of this nature can occasionally arise when carrying out works in these conditions.
A lorry involved in the works is due to be recovered. The site will then be assessed to determine the most appropriate approach to complete the repairs.”
Stabilised Pavements has been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
