I visited the Appley Sink hole this week and given a tour by Southern Water. Please see their statement below:

“We are pleased to share that the repairs to the collapsed sewer at Appley have been completed. The sewer is now relined and all evidence of the collapse has been removed.

Further investigations however, have shown the need to line additional sections of the sewer, in order to ensure that another collapse doesn’t occur. This will see us invest an extra £1million into Ryde’s infrastructure and future proof the sewer, allowing wastewater from the area to flow through the pipe again, rather than the temporary over pumping system.

These additional works will begin imminently along North Walk and we anticipate that they will be completed in early 2022. Disruption will be minimal and visitors to this area will see an over pumping pipe similar to the one currently in situ, for the duration of the works. Vehicular and pedestrian access will be maintained and the majority of parking spaces will remain available for use.

Following the completion of the additional works, we will begin reinstatement of the area which will see the over pumping system removed, roads repaired and the area returned to its former condition.

We will be sharing an overview of the complexities of the repair on the information board; located along Garden Walk; for those interested in learning more about the challenges we’ve overcome this year.

We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during these works.”

I am working closely with Southern Water is getting a Community Fund for Appley established and to make sure the area is not only put back properly post works but is improved. The key thing is Southern Water are strengthening the piping system in the area so a sink hole doesn’t happen again.