The UK’s largest water and wastewater services provider has been busy laying a new pipe at Fontmell Close in St Albans, to replace the one damaged when a sinkhole appeared on October 1 last year.
Following site preparations a fortnight ago, Thames Water workers last week began installing a new 30 metre-long sewer pipe about two metres below the ground.
Thames Water regional networks manager Sam Hazelton said: “We’re delighted the [Herts county] council has now filled the hole in and allowed us to start laying a new sewer pipe so we can do our bit to help get residents back in their homes as soon as possible.”
Four families have been in temporary accommodation for 10 months as a result of the 33ft deep cavity.
Thames Water is the first of the utility services to carry out permanent reinstatement work, as its sewer pipes sit deeper underground than those belonging to other providers, such as gas and electricity.
Assuming everything goes smoothly, its work is expected to take up to four weeks to complete.
Thames Water will also connect other properties affected by the sinkhole up to the new pipe.
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