Julian Smith MP attended an emergency update meeting on Friday afternoon following the appearance of a huge sinkhole in Magdalen’s Road last Thursday. Mr Smith met with North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Police, Harrogate Borough Council and the British Geological Survey.
Julian Smith MP said:
I urge everyone living in the area close to the sinkhole to be vigilant and to seek advice from emergency services and Harrogate Borough Council as soon as they have any concerns. Any residents affected who need my assistance – some who I have met already – should not hesitate to contact me. I commend all of the emergency services and local authorities involved for their quick and efficient response to this situation.
Over the weekend (Saturday 12-Sunday 13 November), officers from Harrogate Borough Council continued to attend the site of the sinkhole, providing reassurance to residents. There appears to have been no further major developments as a consequence of the sinkhole.
On Monday 14 November2016, Harrogate Borough Council together with partners from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire County Council’s Highways department, Yorkshire Water and Northern Powergrid, have been looking at temporary solutions which might allow some residents to return to the properties that have been affected by the sewer being compromised by the sinkhole. Representatives from the utility services are currently on site evaluating options.
An assessment of the ground conditions by the British Geological Survey on Friday (11 November) ascertained that the sinkhole remains a risk, and there is the potential for further slippage around the hole. The British Geological Survey are providing further advice regarding the situation.
Harrogate Borough Council’s main responsibility is to continue to protect the public from any danger. The area affected by the sinkhole has been cordoned off and a safety perimeter established to deter anyone from entering the area. They continue to provide advice and support for those affected by the sinkhole.
