A temporary road has been laid on a field in Bernards Heath for residents affected by St Albans’ sinkhole.

Herts Advertiser: A new temporary road surface is being laid across the playing field for residents living on Fontmell and Bridle Close as the old one has become unusable in the wet weatherA new temporary road surface is being laid across the playing field for residents living on Fontmell and Bridle Close as the old one has become unusable in the wet weather (Image: Archant)

The accessway, which runs from the rear of Bridle Close, off Fontmell Close – the site of the 12 metre wide cavity – has been made with 1,400 tonnes of stone layered on top of a special reinforcing membrane.

A spokesman for Herts county council said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused, but while survey work is underway at the Ariston fire station site, plus Bridle and Fontmell Closes, personal vehicle access will be prohibited until the various investigations have been completed.

“We will contact residents this week, as to when the temporary access road to [the cul de sacs] will be open to private vehicles.

“In the meantime, the 4x4 shuttle service will remain in operation over the Christmas period, with a special service on Christmas, and New Year’s Day.”

He said that while the former fire station site was under investigation by experts, residents were currently parking on land behind the Pioneer Youth Club, owned by the county council.

The new road had to be laid down as the initial emergency access established to help evacuate residents after the sinkhole appeared on October 1 became unusable for residents, whose vehicles became bogged down in mud.

Once repairs to the sinkhole and road surface at Fontmell Close are completed, the temporary access will be removed.